Canterbury Today Magazine Issue #111

Issue 111 | February/March 2012

D

evine

inspiration

Ballantynes’ Mary Devine is on a mission to revive inner city retail The state of our nation

Hospitality

One year on

Wonderful Waipara

The big picture

Building relationships

Why Alan Bollard is optimistic

Inside companies who have kept on keeping on

Exporting 2012; sorting out who wants what

Local hot spots in a changing landscape

The unsung hero of our wine industry

Managing the connected consumer

News | Initiatives | Interviews | Personalities | Information | Success | Profiles | Finance | Property | Sustainability | Export | Transport | Retail | Solutions | ISSN 0113-8340

I get by with a little help from my friends.

- John Lennon.

www.opportunityhamilton.co.nz Hamilton – NZ’s second fastest growing city – affordable living – supportive business community – geologically stable – centrally located.

Issue 111 February/March 2012

Issue 111 | February/March 2012

Contents In this issue…

Devine

inspiration

Viewpoints

Features

Business

6 Society

12 Cover story

26 Focus

Ten trends we’re sick of

Ballantynes’ Mary Devine is on a mission to revive inner city retail

Portside Logistics Timaru creates a Christchurch link, Southern Engineering Solutions’ machinery that’s made to measure, making an impression with Ginger Meggs, indulge yourself at Body Business, how to make your sign stand out from the crowd, packing your bags for Akaroa and Kirk Roberts Consulting’s structural solutions

Ballantynes’ Mary Devine is on a mission to revive inner city retail The state of our nation

Hospitality

One year on

Wonderful Waipara

The big picture

Building relationships

Why Alan Bollard is optimistic

Inside companies who have kept on keeping on

Exporting 2012; sorting out who wants what

Local hot spots in a changing landscape

The unsung hero of our wine industry

Managing the connected consumer

6 Business

News | Initiatives | Interviews | Personalities | Information | Success | Profiles | Finance | Property | Sustainability | Export | Transport | Retail | Solutions | ISSN 0113-8340

Canterbury Today

CT Page 01 Gloss.indd 1

Issue 111

10/02/12 3:17 PM

17,116 ABC circulation as at 30/06/10

www.canterburytoday.co.nz HEAD OFFICE

Ways to grow in 2012

14 The state of our nation

8 Productivity An everyday habit that ruins careers

Despite shaky times, Reserve Bank governor Dr Alan Bollard is talking with optimism

8 Legalities

15 Show me the money

An employer’s responsibility when employees work alone

Top tips when asking for a pay rise

Academy House 47B Birmingham Drive Middleton PO Box 1879 Christchurch

9 Finance

16 Put a little love into your work

Emergencies, money and you

Have you fallen out of love with your job?

9 Building relationships

17 One year on

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Managing the connected consumer

Gary Collins

10 Online

Twelve months later, business people reveal how they’ve kept on keeping on

GENERAL MANAGER Rebecca Harris

Is Google ranking really important?

19 Destinations

OPERATIONS MANAGER

10 Digital life

Time out in New Caledonia

Di Barclay

ADMINISTRATION Kylie Moore ADMIN MANAGER Kelly Clarke Kimberley Wells Judy Slater Tayla Brown

Measuring social media

20 The big picture

11 Technology

Exporting in 2012; sorting out who wants what

Samsung's super tablet

11 Events diary What’s on near you

SALES & ADVERTISING

Lifting the lid on the quickest convertible Jaguar’s ever built

Jonathon Taylor EDITOR Bridget Gourlay CHIEF REPORTER Marie Sherry Kayte John

81

03 961 5050 0800 555 054 editor@academy.net.nz

PRODUCTION

Fax: Email:

0800 555 054 production@academy.net.nz

How Yealands Estate is harvesting a sustainable future

42 Property & Construction PrefabNZ talk about how far the humble prefab has come, how Box Design can give your entrance attitude, ITM readies itself to aid earthquake repair, Wayne Rothwell Builder’s brings buildings alive, Upright Scaffolding’s complete services, M Bainbridge Homes builds on a record of success and how Buildtech Holdings is helping tackle the damage

68 Initiatives The Radio Network’s new Christchruch home, Acardo’s workplace safety store on wheels and how Interior Flair creates the perfect setting for your big day.

Sorting your ICT with the WiFi guys, Devan Plastics’ perfect products for a city on the mend, cashing in on currency with Kiwi Bullion and Presswork Products components that measure up

80 Hospitality Better beans at Ashburton’s Columbus Coffee, Antigua Boat Sheds’ oasis on the Avon, the gift of good food at Annies Marlborough and a little Italian flavour at Cocopelli’s. Fisherman's Wharf provides the perfect seaside spot, Morgan’s Vineyard offers a country vineyard on Christchurch’s doorstep, brilliant brews at Ris’tretto Espresso and The Serious Sandwich makes exactly that

89 Goods & Services Foodstuffs’ world of choice, the right tools for today at New Zealand Office Supplies, quick and simple communication solutions at A1, Giving your pet perfect care at Shirley vets and Trents Wholesale has what you want a the right price

Ian Knott PRODUCTION MANAGER Carolynne Brown PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Sarah Betman DESIGNERS Kirsty Opie Jarred Shakespeare Paul Terry — Cover Photo by Paul Terry Janelle Pike Jenna Bills 03 940 4732

23 Lifestyles

106 Motoring

NEWSROOM

Phone:

The unsung hero of our wine industry

A top spot, a couple of top drops, something for life outside, the no-hands approach to telling the time and one close shave

Steve Dando SALES EXECUTIVES George Ziegler Melissa Sinclair Miranda Telfer Rob Cochrane Janet Campbell Mogens Petersen Verne Williams

Phone: Fax: Email:

21 Wonderful Waipara

41 Agribusiness

102 Transport & Motoring How Jones Road Auto has turned towards nitrogen and Smith Attachments’ designs for life on the land

KNOWLEDGE FOR GROWING BUSINESS SINCE 1985

Disclaimer: This publication is provided on the basis that A-Mark Publishing is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in these articles, nor for any error or omission from these articles and that the firm is not hereby engaged in rendering advice or services.

A-Mark Publishing expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such a person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication. Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice. Contents Copyright 2011 by A-Mark Publishing (NZ) Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

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Quake inspires new venture and shift to Hamilton Business—friendly Hamilton is the new home of a former Christchurch couple whose house was badly damaged in February’s earthquake.

“We’ve made good contacts in a very short time with all types of people. Opportunity Hamilton, and everybody, has been very welcoming,” Stefan said.

Stefan Doll and Dr Adrienna Ember moved to Hamilton with their three children recently to escape the shaky city and to start their new business.

Starting afresh is nothing new for the couple, who previously lived in Adrienna’s native Hungary and Stefan’s homeland Germany before immigrating to New Zealand.

Stefan resigned from his job as a Christchurch City Council human resource manager to make the move after deciding Hamilton offered what his family wanted for a fresh start.

Waikato’s ranking as the second fastest growing economy in New Zealand, its size and proximity to Auckland and Tauranga were factors in their choice, but the region’s geological stability was the ultimate decider.

“Hamilton is growing fast, which is important. But first we looked at safety. Hamilton is the safest place in New Zealand when it comes to natural disasters,” Adrienna said.

Adrienna was set to launch a life coaching business when the February quake struck, ultimately inspiring the couple’s shift north to establish their business, the New Zealand Institute for Diversity and Wellbeing.

The pair contacted economic development agency Opportunity Hamilton, who used networking links to connect them with the Waikato business community.

“We would like to use the skills and knowledge that we’ve gained in our many years working in human resources, research, education and life-coaching to help business people and society. The topic of diversity is so important for businesses,” Stefan said.

They spent the last five months in Europe holidaying and researching diversity in the workplace before embarking on their latest venture.

“We want to show people here how they can work in a diverse workspace more efficiently and reap the many benefits of cultural and ethnic differences. This is the way things are heading in Europe and we can show New Zealand how to benefit too,” Stefan said.

Maximising the benefits of cultural diversity can improve access to new markets, staff relations and can enhance communication with different customer groups, they said.

“If businesses can find a way to extract the benefits of diversity the results are often astoundingly positive.

However, ignoring the challenges of diversity can be disastrous.”

The pair also hopes to attract international researchers to study New Zealand as an example of cultural diversity.

“We see New Zealand as a great example because of its unique history as a small, culturally diverse nation.

We hope to see New Zealand on the international research landscape,” Stefan said.

The pair will initially operate the business from their Hillcrest home and can be contacted at nzdiversity@ xtra.co.nz.

For further information on support available to Christchurch businesses wanting to move to Hamilton please contact: Opportunity Hamilton chief executive Rob Pritchard at rob@opportunityhamilton.co.nz.

February 2012 Dear Christchurch business owner, The Hamilton business community is eagerly anticipating a fast and efficient recovery for you as you endure on-going aftershocks.

After the initial larger quakes in September and February Hamilton business owners pledged their support via the website www.hamiltonchristchurch.co.nz with offers of rent-free office space, donated equipment, fulfilling contracts on your behalf and temporarily employing staff while you recover.

Moving into 2012 it has become apparent that for some Christchurch businesses recovery will be difficult or impossible.

Therefore Hamilton is reaching out again, pledging support to any Christchurch business wanting to relocate to Hamilton.

After all, Waikato is a better choice than Australia!

Located in New Zealand’s growth triangle, Waikato is the fastest growing region in the country behind Auckland.

Hamilton is centrally located and is a great place to live, work and play. It is also geologically stable.

So if you are ready to make the move, we are right beside you.

Please feel free to contact me personally rob@opportunityhamilton.co.nz.

We look forward to welcoming and supporting you.

Kind regards,

Rob Pritchard Rob Pritchard Chief Executive Opportunity Hamilton Economic Development Agency for the City

www.opportunityhamilton.co.nz www.hamiltonchristchurch.co.nz www.investwaikato.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 5

Viewpoint | Growth

Ten trends we’re over

Ways to grow in 2012

By Jonathon Taylor

Cloud computing

Insipid Facebook status updates

Excuse me for being a bit backward, but what exactly is the ‘cloud’? It sounds like off-site IT with a fancy name. And what happens if someone, in that magical information land, trips over the cord? The cloud makes an already murky realm even more anomalous.

All hail the electronic alter of the self important. If you update your status more than daily you’re attention whoring.

The exodus to Aus It’s estimated that during the past three years, around 100,000 Kiwis have jumped the ditch, unable to resist the appeal of higher wages and a supposedly more prosperous future. And yes, the wage gap between New Zealand and Australia is now said to be around 40 percent, and growing.

The occupy movement OK, you made your point; unchecked corporate greed destroyed lives and nearly ruined our rather imperfect world. But dressing like hippies and camping in public spaces for weeks on end isn’t really helping change anything; it’s actually obstructing progress and is now just annoying.

If making more money is the sole criteria by which you value your quality of life – then away you go, waltzing Matilida all the way.

The US economy still drags on seemingly directionless, the Eurozone (especially Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain) countries appear destined for deeper recession, and Australia is experiencing higher unemployment.

Republican Party lunacy

So what chance do we have to grow?

Extending constitutional rights to zygotes, eliminating restrictions on big oil and returning Wall Street to its pre-crash unrestricted ways were some the best and brightest ideas from GOP presidential contenders. Michelle Bachman’s genius plan to reduce federal spending was simple, stunning and beyond scary; closing down the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Well, there is some good news. We still have a good margin of currency advantage to export to our trans-Tasman neighbours and the US (and I suspect this may actually widen), and we can feel somewhat comforted by the fact that the Christchurch rebuild affords significant opportunity with outcomes likely to be less unemployment and an improved GDP.

Even Sarah Palin and the Tea Party look viable by comparison, as politically irrational and nonsensical policies have lurched it from a party to a sect. One that interprets Abraham Lincoln’s famous utterance of a government “… of the people, by the people, for the people…,” as “of the elite, for the elite, by the duped”.

With so many and varied economic interpretations to choose from it is hard to know exactly how things will pan out, but one thing remains clear - growing a business in 2012 will never be as easy as it has been in the past.

But buyer beware; the cost of living is higher, property prices in Sydney are obscene and you could be mistaken for thinking the stereotypical Aussie’s attitude to immigrants is ‘naff off – we’re full’.

Greek bailouts Well knock me over with a feather – a nation with a lax attitude to taxation that used the Euro zone’s triple A credit rating to borrow more than it could afford is in financial strife. Fact is, Greece has defaulted on its external sovereign debt obligations at least five previous times in the modern era (1826, 1843, 1860, 1894 and 1932). Whether it’s horrendous fiscal miss-management, or simply cooking the books, we’re sick of hearing about it.

Climate change denial Climate change denial seems to be spreading like an infectious disease. Now there’s nothing wrong with healthy scepticism and reasoned individuals should embrace vigorous debate about the causes, consequences and role human endeavour might, or might not, play in climate change. But simply denying any change is occurring flies in the face of what is being observed.

Reality TV

Vampires

Like anything, reality TV has its good and bad. But because ‘good’ shows are now endangered species, being eaten alive by increasingly common trash fests, the entire genre needs putting out to pasture.

Unless you were 12 with a crush on a 24 year old passing themselves off as a teenager, vampires were never ‘in’ to begin with. So enough already – the concept isn’t original or scary.

Passing off scripted scenarios as being ‘real’ fools only fools and insults everyone else’s intelligence, meaning the loudest laughs are from network executives, whose advertising revenue to production cost ratios are off the chart.

Bad reality TV is the bastard cousin of the low-brow chat show, which basically exploits individuals whose attention desperation disorder means they’ll do anything to get on ‘telly’ because of its association with status and importance. Jerry Springer set the tone these shows still dance to.

Unlimited Access

Kevin Vincent is a director at Vincent Nugent Limited, a Christchurch based business improvement consulting company. He is a specialist in the disciplines of leadership and organisational management, sales and marketing, and business and strategic planning.

Celebrity comments I’m sorry, but when I want information about the ongoing financial crisis, or sectarian unrest in any particular global hot spot, I’ll listen to what an economist, historian or political scientist has to offer not a Hollywood A-lister. Their professional expertise extends to looking good while remembering anywhere up to three scripted sentences at any one time. Yes, even as impressive as this is, perhaps specialist subjects are best left to studied experts.

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6 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

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3. Be future focused

If you want to increase sales revenue, improve profit margins and drive new business growth in 2012, you should consider the following business growth suggestions.

1. Spend marketing resources on creating value Showing customers what value your product or service provides will generate top line sales revenue. Spend more on marketing campaigns where the customer can experience your product’s value.

CV Search

Forget about how your business performed last year. The past is the past. This year it’s a new game. The rules have changed and the players are different. What worked last year will not return the same results. Re-evaluate your industry, competition, marketing strategy, sales strategy and financial management. Implement proven best practice business growth strategies.

4. Measure What you measure is what you will get. So measure and monitor your key business growth indicators weekly. How do you know where to improve if you don’t know how you’re performing? For example, what is your customer conversion ratio, tradeshow ROI, closing ratio, marketing ROI, advertising ROI, sales cycle times, new prospect calls per week number, deal size by industry, profit by product line, etc.

5. Work on your business - not in it Focus more on strategic priorities. Delegate and empower your staff and or external expertise to handle day to day issues. Many CEOs and senior executives spend too much time micro managing. That time would be far better invested in making sure your strategy is sound. Work on what can improve business performance in our changing business environment.

Become a 2012 – 2020 company; identify where you are and what developments you need to do to ensure you don’t miss the 2012 bus!

Remember, you can only produce so much new product, produce only so many units, set up so many new systems, but at the end of the day – you need sales! It is sales that will define your success or failure. So think big and take action.

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I often read with dismay how organisations focus on staff reductions, redundancies and cutting costs. I recall reading Tom Peters who wrote “You Can’t Shrink Your Way to Greatness” and I believe this to be so true.

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The events triggered by the earthquake in February last year wreaked havoc on businesses throughout the Canterbury region. Solid operating systems and the strength of a large scale network helped Trents Wholesale through an extremely difficult time.

The speed at which Trents on Tuam St was up and running after the event highlighted the strength of the company, explains Tuam St manager Allan McKenzie.

“Tuam St facilities are fully operational and despite our close proximity to the cordon, we have been fully operational since last April, without any limitations to our service capabilities.”

While the building’s car park roof has since been replaced, the building itself was largely untouched. “We were locked into the cordon for a period of time but this was due to the damage of surrounding buildings. We were ready to continue trading but were unable to due to the cordon.”

meat. Marketing advisor Kristian Hutton says the company offers a broad range of products in an equally diverse range of industries.

“Basically we are a wholesale provider servicing dairies, restaurants, cafes, schools, rest homes and more. We offer our customers a range of ordering options including online ordering, phone or fax or by coming into our Tuam St Cash‘n Carry. Having a physical location where customers can come in and select product and seek expert advice is a huge advantage.

“Alongside those core products are our peripheral products such as Trents LPG, Trents Insurance, Trents Marketing and Trents Travel. We are able to offer However, the organisation’s operational these products and services through our capabilities are such that they were not limited during that trying time. “Our supply relationships with our preferred partners such as Elgas, FMR Risk, and Orbit Travel. chain has been designed in a way which We facilitate those sales but we are not enabled us to continue to supply our customers and we did whatever we could the end supplier.” to help.

It is these relationships that have cemented Trents’ position in the “We have both knowledge and resources, Canterbury business landscape. Trents complimented by a significant physical value the relationships it has developed, presence throughout the South Island. both with their customers and suppliers.

While we operate independently, our Everything the organisation does is tailored parent company, Foodstuff South Island Ltd, provide us with product, logistical and to improving local businesses.

IT support.”

Being 100 percent New Zealand owned and operated, Trents Wholesale Ltd offers a wide and competitive range of catering, grocery, confectionery, beer, wine and spirits. The company also works with a range of preferred supply partners who provide expert supply and support in chilled and frozen, fresh produce and

difficult times,” explains Hutton. “We understand what they’re dealing with as we are going through it also.

“We have an advantage with our Cash ‘n Carry warehouse in Tuam St where our customers can personally come in and select their requirements, where as our competitors do not have that capability.”

The other key point of difference is the range. “Because we can provide a whole range of goods, including our peripheral products and value add-ons, it really gives Trents the competitive edge. This includes being part of the Fly Buys loyalty programme. We are the only South Island company in our industry offering Fly Buys to our customers.

“The past 18 months have been the most trying period this city has seen,” Hutton says. “However we have been able to maintain continuous supply for our customers. We are just outside the cordon but we are fully operational and we will continue to do everything in our power to support Canterbury businesses.”

Trents Wholesale Ltd 284-290 Tuam Street Christchurch T (03) 366 4902 F (03) 366 0439 www.trents.co.nz

Trents’ values of respect and integrity are implicit in all of the company’s dealings with its customers. The positioning statement, ‘Trust Trents – total supply, every occasion’ is the cornerstone of its operating model.

“It is a competitive industry and being New Zealand owned and operated has been welcoming for our clients in these

www.trents.co.nz www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 7

Viewpoints | Productivity/Legal

An everyday habit that ruins careers Karen Degen is the owner of Set Free with EFT, a company that changes mindsets to create business success. Email: karen@setfree.co.nz or visit www.setfree.co.nz

Procrastination isn’t just a bad habit it’s an affliction ruining the lives of nearly one million New Zealanders. Research has found that one person in five suffers so badly from the problem that their careers are threatened. At its best procrastination is time wasting and at its worst it’s a form of self sabotage.

The economic implications are huge. It’s been estimated that procrastination costs the USA one trillion dollars per annum, or $9,724 per employee. Not only are these conservative figures, but they are at least 10 years old. Economist Gary Becker, who won the Nobel Prize for economics, commented that “In a modern economy, human capital (the work people do) is by far the most important form of capital in creating wealth and growth. With a quarter of each person’s work day spent dithering, procrastination is going to be costly.”

Most people have no conscious idea why they procrastinate. A trained therapist will find the hidden blocks in the subconscious mind that are causing it, and will know how to clear them. Some common blocks are:

The first step was making a decision on the date the partnership ended, as the amount owed to IRD would differ completely depending on the date chosen. That decision couldn’t be made until he spoke with his accountant.

He now had two action steps (making a phone call to his accountant and deciding on a date) to focus on. Seemed simple enough, but there was huge resistance to making the call to his accountant. When looking for a downside to completing the call, and ultimately the GST return, Sam realised this would signify the absolute end to his partnership, something he was subconsciously unwilling to accept. When the emotions connected to loss of his partner were cleared Sam was able to take the necessary steps to complete the GST return.

Self help tips to overcome procrastination Write down the task you are procrastinating on.

List, in order, the actions involved in completing that task. You may need to work backwards (i.e. before I can do that I need to…). These actions may involve having conversations or making decisions.

Look at action number one. What will be the downside of completing it? Address that Fear of failure or fear of not doing a ‘perfect’ downside because if you don’t you may be job can stop us even starting. Not meeting our subconsciously unwilling to complete the own high standards is hard to live with. If we task and you will continue to self sabotage. don’t start the task we can’t possibly fail. Not trying is much easier for our egos to stomach Repeat step 3 for all of the actions on than trying hard and still falling short. your list.

Fear of success. There may be implications to completing a particular job or activity.

Completing it could lead to something you are not yet ready for.

Finally, begin working on the first action on your list. Keep only that action in your mind and don’t think ahead until you’ve completed it.

Fear of being judged, criticised or rejected.

What will other people think, say or do if you complete this task?

Dr Wayne Dyer said “Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy.” Seek professional help if you need it. It’s not an easy affliction to overcome on your own.

The task is too big or too hard. Tasks seem overwhelming which makes us feel it’s futile to even try.

Feeling overwhelmed by the size or complexity of the task is the most common stumbling block, often caused by looking at the job as a whole rather than the steps needed to achieve it.

For instance, Sam had been procrastinating for two years on a GST return relating to a partnership that no longer existed. With the help of a mindset expert he realised that the first step wasn’t actually sitting down and completing the return.

Even the best of us however cannot get everything done and we cannot be perfect.

The famous physicist Professor Stephen Hawking said “One of the basic rules of the universe is that nothing is perfect.

Perfection simply doesn’t exist.”

What a liberating thought! It’s scientifically impossible for you to be perfect. You can deal with your procrastination, or alternatively you can forgive yourself and be at peace with what remains undone.

8 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Your responsibility when employees work alone Scott Wilson is a partner in the employment law team at Duncan Cotterill Lawyers and can be contacted at: S.wilson@DuncanCotterill.com

The safety of employees who are working alone or travelling to work at unusual times is under the spotlight. This follows the killing of Radio New Zealand journalist Phillip Cottrell in central Wellington last December when he was walking home from work, and the death a month earlier of a security guard who was on duty alone at an Auckland construction site.

These tragedies highlight the importance for all employers to evaluate whether they have employees working alone and what should be done to protect them from harm, including violence.

New Zealand does not have specific working alone laws, but employers have a broad duty to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of employees while at work.

Working alone is considered to be a hazard and employers have a legal obligation to manage hazards at work. This means that, in general, employers should:

• Carry out hazard assessments specific to working alone situations •

Create or update policies and procedures to eliminate or reduce the risks associated with working alone. This could include a verbal or visual check-in procedure at certain times

• Provide an effective means of communication for employees working alone in case of emergency, accident or illness • Provide training to employees who will be working alone.

While there is no legal definition of ‘working alone’ in New Zealand, this shouldn’t deter employers from effecting working alone policies and procedures.

And although no prosecutions have occurred against employers in New Zealand, a Canadian company was recently charged and fined after a female security guard working alone was attacked and raped. The key message for employers is: consider whether working alone policies and procedures need to be implemented or updated to help keep staff safe and to reduce the risks of working alone.

Disclaimer: the content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.

Viewpoints | Finance/Management

Managing the connected consumer

Emergencies, money and you Alan Clarke has just written his first book called “Retire Richer”, a practical guide for all New Zealanders.

Alan, an Authorised Financial Adviser, has been a financial adviser for 24 years.

For more information visit: www.retirericher.co.nz.

We are told by most financial commentators to pay off our mortgages as fast as we can. If you have some surplus income or money, you will hear the same story again – reduce your mortgage, and in theory this is the correct advice.

would have barely been enough for a lot of people.

However, what about building up an emergency fund? There are good reasons to do so and all too often this is overlooked in New Zealand. If you were to build up an emergency fund, you would have room to move in the midst of a financial crisis, or tough times, and keep the bank (or other creditors) off your back.

The first consideration is not in the bank where you have your mortgage. If you miss a mortgage payment, the bank can move money from one of your accounts to another without even consulting you.

Rental property, beach houses, forestry and commercial buildings are not suitable as emergency funds either as they are not liquid. Money from these assets can take months, if not years to unlock.

It is usually quite easy to borrow money when we have jobs / normal health, but almost impossible to borrow if things are bad; like if you are made redundant, cannot work, are ill, or have had a bad accident.

Liquidity (access to money) Emergency funds need to be liquid - they must be easily accessed. There is not much point having an emergency fund unless it is readily available within say two weeks.

Where not to put it

Nor should it be all invested in shares, since Murphy’s law says they are all too likely to be down at the time you need the money. None of these assets are suitable as Remember “A bank is an organisation that will emergency funds. lend you an umbrella when the sun is shining, Where should emergency money be but they will want the umbrella back when invested? it starts to rain.” For all the reasons given above, it would be very wise to build up an emergency fund.

Dead money v an asset We cover a lot of risks using life, fire, and general insurances, but the premiums are ‘dead’ money that you don’t get back, and all too often insurances often do not cover the emergencies that arise. Conversely your emergency fund is an asset – if you never need it, you still have it.

How much should be in your emergency fund?

The rule of thumb I was taught in NZ back in 1991 was three to six months income. Rocket science is not needed here though, and any amount is better than none. Getting started is the most important step! In the USA they recommend everyone keeps eight months income in emergency funds. Given the extent of the credit crunch in the USA, eight months

Hopefully you will never need the money for an emergency, and so it should be invested, but in a conservative place. Ideally it would be invested in a conservative diversified portfolio, with a portion offshore.

If it is invested, it will grow, and if it is never needed, it will become part of your retirement funding.

John Walsh is Professor of Marketing at IMD. This article is based on a presentation that he gave during the Orchestrating Winning Performance programme, on which he teaches.

Companies have often grappled with the ‘ownership’ of their brands. Ultimately, the brand is simply what it represents in the minds of consumers. Strong brands generate strong emotions and consumers can have a real sense of ownership – and an equal willingness to criticise decisions that affect that brand in ways that they do not like.

It used to be said that consumers having a negative experience with a brand might tell as many as 10 people, whereas those with positive experiences might tell only as few as three. In other words, negative word of mouth spread faster than the positive. The advent of the internet and various social media facilitates opinionated consumers to exchange ideas and influence others. Word of mouth has been turbo charged. Opinions reach billions. Consumers have formed a collective. They have unionised.

The free-flowing exchange of information, the inter-connectedness of consumers, has changed the marketplace. Now, the market bears many of the characteristics of an organisation, albeit a loosely formed one.

Thinking of how we manage employees might help us as we grapple with the new phenomenon of the connected consumer.

3. Delegation Many companies are already involving the connected consumer in a variety of interesting ways. Companies are now co-creating products and solutions with consumers.

The key issue, as with the case of managing employees, is what to delegate to consumers and what to keep for determination by management. Involving consumers in even the most simple of decisions can have unintended consequences; such as customers selecting a model or direction that doesn’t reflect a company’s ‘image’.

4. Accessibility Brands should have an open invitation to consumers, whether it is to complain or compliment. Many companies now go beyond passively waiting for consumers to contact them to complain and operate a sort of outreach program, where blogs, chat rooms etc. are scanned to address issues being discussed among consumers and deal with product or service concerns proactively.

5. Learn from mistakes, openly Good managers learn from their mistakes and the same is true when dealing with connected consumers. Marketing-savvy companies have grappled with the impact of Facebook, Twitter etc., where opinion, whether ill-informed or ill-intentioned, can flow freely.

Managing customers

What sort of investments is recommended?

A highly diversified conservative portfolio of about 75 percent in bonds and 25 percent in shares is suitable. Bonds over many years have paid one percent to three percent better than short-term bank deposits. Shares have had a bad patch recently but over the longer term shares have out- performed bonds by three to five percent. Therefore, over time, returns from a correctly structured conservative portfolio over the medium to long term are likely to be about two percent per annum higher than bank rates.

nowadays. As the number of touch-points between the brand and the consumer proliferate, it is important that the messaging from the brand is consistent with the motivations of the consumer.

1. Communication The connected consumer places high demands on the brands they buy and are not afraid to ridicule communications that are inconsistent or poorly thought through. A brief scan of YouTube illustrates the point – countless user-generated parodies of advertisements are available, with many viewed much more than the original.

2. Motivation What motivates consumers to buy or to be loyal to a brand is even more important

6. Fairness Nobody likes to be treated unfairly and the connected consumer can be quite vocal if he perceives an injustice. However, fair need not necessarily mean equal. Consumers can be valuable to companies because they buy large volumes and perhaps those who buy more should receive a lower per unit price. However, even consumers who do not purchase much might be of great value because they can, for example, refer other customers to a brand, give positive reviews, provide suggestions for improvements etc. and this value should be rewarded.

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 9

Viewpoints | Online / Digital Life

Is Google ranking really important?

Measuring social media

Suzanne Carter is the business development manager for website design and development company Limelight Online Ltd, and has 15 years website industry experience. For more information visit www.limelightonline.co.nz

If your website serves more as an online brochure to which you refer clients and potential clients, then doing well in the search engines such as Google may not be a priority for your business.

However, for the vast majority of businesses it is critical to their success to be able to attract targeted traffic to their website. This in turn drives enquiries and new business.

Websites that are well positioned in Google are the ones that are likely to get more visitor traffic because they are visible to searchers.

For example, if you own a business that sells camera accessories and you are not appearing on the first page of Google results when users search for your product, then you are not very likely to get visitors to come to your website. This is because enquiry drops dramatically if your website is not on the first page or two of search results.

When users have so many websites to choose from in the search engine results, it is extremely important to optimise your site so that your website can be found easily and is the one that users click through to. If your competitors are positioned higher than your site in the search engines, then it may well be their site your potential client visits, instead of yours.

It doesn’t matter how fantastic your product or service is if no-one actually knows about it. Websites need all the help they can get which is why it is very important to start work on Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) as soon as you can on your website, preferably even before commencing the design process. Unfortunately doing nothing is not an option — not if you are looking for new online business.

Search Engine Optimisation is a complex process which involves a number of techniques to improve the visibility of your website in search engines. And it doesn’t end there.

Once your website is optimised it is necessary to continue promoting your website in the search engines using Search Engine Marketing (SEM); the goal being to increase your website presence in the search engines. SEM assists with the promotion of your website in various ways including link building, pay per click campaigns and article marketing.

Social media marketing can also assist with building your websites online popularity.

Social media involves building your networks on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn by regularly engaging with your fans, followers and connections.

Is ranking on Google really that important?

Absolutely, if want to grow your business through your online presence.

Regardless of industry, the online market is certainly very competitive and continues to become more so, which makes it harder for websites to rank highly. Just having a website does not guarantee success.

Graeme Russell runs Adage Business, a boutique marketing/communications agency that assists businesses and nonprofits with the planning and implementation of communication and social media strategies. Visit www.adagebusiness.co.nz

Almost everyone is talking about social media, how great it is (or isn’t), best practice and of course what the return is from its use.

Everyone looks to social media to engage and build awareness of themselves, their business and more. Businesses use it to build customer knowledge, to act as a customer service tool and of course to gain business.

But where many seem to have a problem is working out what the ROI is.

ROI is traditionally seen as ‘return on investment’, money in the bank, but there is another way to look at ROI, and that is ‘return on involvement’.

What is return on involvement? It’s what you gain from being present on any of the social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.

If you’re using any social media and wondering why you’re not gaining from it, it’s likely that it’s the content you are sharing that is letting you down.

If you want to gain from social media you need to take yourself less seriously. Don’t always ‘talk shop’ as gone are the days of B2B and B2C marketing; it’s all P2P now — person to person, and that’s where the win is with social media.

Sharing information about the business is important, but social media should be avoided if it’s only going to be used to push your bandwagon. If people are themselves online, sharing stories, offering tips and tricks outside of their normal business messages, they will gain more.

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It’s the involvement with others in social media that will yield results; it’s the content and engagement that is important.

For business, it gives the ability to listen to what people are saying about them, this then gives an opportunity for ‘issues’ to be dealt with almost immediately, helping brand reputation.

Unlike traditional promotional activities which focus on pushing your message, social media works on the ‘attracting pull’ premise.

A quick look at social media sites will show that people are asking questions — they want to know the best restaurant, café, shopping area, where to stay and much more.

Anyone can answer these questions — but, where some business let themselves down and miss out on ROI, is that they are not monitoring to see what people are talking about. If people are talking about your business sector, and quite likely your business, you need to be listening.

Think of social media as a pond, you drop a pebble in a pond and ripples emanate out, that’s what happens when you post a message on your social media profile. How far it goes depends on your network, your connections and also how far they in turn share it with their connections.

The wider the spread the more impact your update has, the more impact the greater the eventual possible return on investment.

So before you start looking at the bottom line and wondering where the money is to be made using social media, think more about the relationships you can build — this will be worth a lot more than mere money in the bank.

Viewpoints | Gadgets

Take one tablet and see me in the morning Ian Knott has been commentating on various forms of technology for the last 16 years. He’s had columns on gadgets, gaming, computing and digital entertainment in many newspapers, magazines and websites in New Zealand and overseas.

Laptops have been around longer than most computer users have been alive.

It was 1975 when IBM introduced the world’s first ‘portable computer’ and like most electronic devices, the race to make them smaller and cheaper has been a competitive one until it hit a brick wall with the recent relative failure of ‘Netbooks’.

The weight difference is surprisingly noticable with the SGT 10.1 feeling perfectly natural to hold and handle for extended periods of time. The screen has a small but sufficient non-touch sensitive area surrounding it for when you need to pass the tablet around between people.

Their failure wasn’t due to any fault on their behalf but more due to the emergence of iOS and Android touchscreen tablets and in fact any internet capable mobile phone.

The Samsung one-ups the iPad 2 in almost every way. The cameras are better (to be fair, you can’t get much worse than the iPad’s camera quality), it has a 4-way accelerometer and gyro (compared to the iPad’s 3 way), has better speakers and browser Flash support.

There would be few in the know who would debate Apple’s domination of the tablet market with its iPad range, but quality tablets running Google’s Android operating system are rapidly taking chunks out of Apple’s market share.

Easily the best of the Android tablets, and also the one with the most publicity and controversy surrounding it is Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1. Apple certainly saw the threat very early on and pulled out all the stops with lawsuit after lawsuit. All in vain of course as the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is now available in all its glory.

A hair’s breadth thinner than the iPad2, the SGT 10.1 weighs a considerable 36g lighter at 565g despite the almost half inch larger screen.

Running the Android Honeycomb 3.1 operating system, the SGT 10.1 is open to features that are currently unavailable on most other Android tablets.

However I only experienced six hours battery life as opposed to ten hours on the iPad2 (Samsung boasts nine hours, but this review unit could have been well abused).

The proprietary charging cable is also an annoyance with a standard mini USB being far more desirable. The simple Bluetooth file transfer made adding photos, music and apps a breeze though.

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 slotted into my lifestyle so seamlessly that Samsung had to almost pry it out of my hands to take it back. I’m a definite Android tablet convert and there’s no better available than this.

News | Events Diary

Events diary FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Charity Fundraiser for Christchurch – Christchurch netball centre, Hagley Ave With all the proceeds benefiting the Christchurch’s eastern suburban schools, this night of dinner and drinks features guest speakers and, most importantly, raising awareness and money for the children in Christchurch’s schools. For more information visit www.Bambini.org.nz

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Classic Hits Winery Tour - Mud House Winery and Café The talented Gin Wigmore will headline the 2012 Classic Hits Winery Tour, along with reformed legends The Mutton Birds and talented newcomers, Avalanche City. Now in its sixth year, the Classic Hits Winery Tour is a firmly established and much loved national touring event showcasing the best of Kiwi music. For more information visit www.winerytour.co.nz

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Stop Reacting, Start Responding –NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants One of the most destructive elements of human behavior is the lack of impulse control.

It is essential to have the skills to stay cool under pressure and to respond rather than react. Learn how to manage your own anger, emotions of others and how to stay cool under pressure. To register, visit http://events.nzica.com/

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7 –11 Ellerslie International Flower Show – Hagley Park North The next Ellerslie International Flower Show, presented by Egmont Seed Company, will be staged in North Hagley Park. The Show is gearing up to be another fantastic event with its new sponsor on board and an influx of flowers planned – it’s going to be a bright and beautiful time in the city. For more information visit www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7 How to Give Your Clients Exactly What They Want - NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants The course will outline a seven-step process to ensure you focus is on giving your clients exactly what they want. Highlights include developing systems to deliver what clients want, the importance of job throughput and investing in continuous improvement. To register, visit http://events.nzica.com/ MONDAY, MARCH 19 Leading Change in Challenging Times – New Zealand Institute of Management Southern Participants will gain the appropriate skills and confidence to understand and describe the change process, implement actions leading to successful change, deal with resistance to change and manage the emotions through change. To register, visit www.nzimsouthern.co.nz

TUESDAY, MARCH 20 Staying Resilient in Turbulent Times - NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants Resilience, the art of recovering quickly from setbacks, is a key ingredient to turbulent times. This webinar delivers practical strategies to to increase your resilience. To register, visit http://events.nzica.com/

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4

One Year On, Civic Memorial Service Hagley Park North A Civic Memorial Service will be held at North Hagley Park from 12 noon until 1.30pm. The Christchurch Earthquake Awards will follow the Service at the same venue along with a two minute silence from 12.51pm.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24-26 DramFest - Peterborough Street This popular biennial event, organised by Michael Fraser Milne of Christchurch whisky specialist store Whisky Galore, starts with a screening of the classic comedy Whisky Galore. The main event is on Saturday, February 25, from 2pm to 6pm, in the DramFest Marquee at Peterborough Street, opposite the Christchurch Casino. More than 36 distilleries will showcase their whiskies, with each stand having three to 10 whiskies on display for tastings.

A full programme of workshops and exhibitors is available at www.dramfest.co.nz

Let’s learn environmental lessons from China – Riccarton Park function centre China faces major environmental challenges tied to its extraordinary economic growth.

Jonathan Watts, Guardian Asia correspondent and author of ‘When a Billion Chinese Jump’, will talk about the dramatic impact of people and industry on China’s environment and the lessons, and opportunities, for New Zealand.

For more information visit www.service-is-paramount.co.nz

THURSDAY, APRIL 5 Foreign Investment Funds - NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants This road show focuses on your questions on current Foreign Investment Funds (FIF) issues and certain aspects of offshore income and migrants - this includes FIFs, CFCs and financial arrangements. To register, visit http://events.nzica.com/

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 The Great Kiwi Beer Festival – Hagley Park North The Great Kiwi Beer Festival is a celebration of the brewing industry in New Zealand, hosted by industry experts and featuring a range of more than 100 local, national and international brews. For more information visit www.greatkiwibeerfestival.co.nz

Strategic Business Development - Vincent Nugent & Associates A one day workshop focused on enhancing the sales person’s ability to identify opportunities, set long-range goals, develop strategies and execute action plans for major accounts. To register, visit www.vincentnugent.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 11

Cover Story | Ballantynes

D

evine

inspiration

By Bridget Gourlay

Baptism by fire only begins to describe it. On February 22nd, Mary Devine was less than three weeks into her new job as managing director of Ballantynes when the earth started shaking. She was at Riccarton, hopped into her car and headed back to town to see the street that had been, only a couple of hours ago, the heart of our city’s retail district.

— Photos by Paul Terry

“

Restart is better than anyone ever anticipated.

It’s got people hopeful again; there’s a real upbeat nature which is encouraging because it’s been such a difficult year.

I think with Restart, it’s progress in an innovative way. If we apply that in a city perspective what we achieve could be amazing.

”

Cashel Mall was almost unrecognisable. The Edwardian facades that so prettily framed the pedestrian walkway had burst, collapsed buildings and debris was everywhere. Several people were dead, many more were injured.

The CBD was a maze of sirens and shocked, white-faced people.

But Ballantynes’ solid 1960s building withstood it. The bunker-like store was born from a previous calamity; in 1947, the original shop burnt down, killing 41 members of staff.

Fifty years on, calamity had hit Christchurch’s CBD once more, with Ballantynes again right at the centre of it.

The woman in charge So February 2011 was a first month for the history books. But even before the quake, becoming managing director of Ballantynes was a big enough job in itself. Devine was the first non-family member to run the iconic department store in a century, tasked with overseeing one of the most-loved institutions in the city. Her predecessor, Richard Ballantyne, was moving to a position on the board.

“I felt a real sense of responsibility taking on the role and the importance of ensuring we protect a lot of those cultural aspects of what makes Ballantynes special, but still lead us and continue to bring the business forward. I must maintain that balance.

“Also I’m fortunate Richard is still in the business, he’s still involved a few days a week. It’s great we’ve got him around and he can provide a guiding hand and insight for me which is invaluable.”

Devine was approached for the top job because of her impressive career history.

She’s only in her 40s and has a young family, but she was previously chief executive of online retailer EziBuy and Max Fashions.

Before that she ran Arthur Ellis, manufacturer of the Great Outdoors and Fairydown brands.

This knack for finance could be in the genes.

“Mum gave me her Watties shares at a young age and I followed the stock exchange,” she remembers. “That’s what we discussed at the dinnertable.”

Part of Devine’s appointment as managing director was continuing to help the iconic department store charge forward into the future.

But the earthquake changed every strategic plan the company had. Like every other business in Christchurch, every deadline, every agenda on every meeting had to be changed. Within minutes on February 22nd our city was destroyed. Devine and the team sprung into action.

“The first few days we had a great communication tree, so within three days we had located staff - that was our number one priority. We started meeting at home, we even met our insurance assessor within seven days.

“We actually moved with a degree of speed…

We quickly got into a routine of on a Monday having a staff briefing to the top 50 managers who then met with all of their staff of on the Monday and Tuesday of every week. It

12 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

was about informing staff of where we were at. Even if we didn’t have any insights or much to say, it didn’t matter, it was that clear communication.”

Devine and the team immediately started thinking about how they would cope in the interim. She met with the key suppliers and travelled to Timaru. Soon, bus trips to the South Canterbury branch were established and the online shopping part of the website was seriously beefed up. They took over a spot at Riccarton Mall temporarily for their café staff.

With no idea what the prognosis of the CBD was, Devine looked at “every retail site in Christchurch” seeing if there was another spot that could be the department store’s new home. In June, crowds packed into the CBS arena for the annual ‘Ballys sale’.

Cover Story | Ballantynes

“

It’s been a real journey. We certainly still have challenges ahead but I think that we know where they are now. Prior to opening we didn’t really know how things would evolve. I think we’re really fortunate with the loyalty we’ve been shown by our customers - and we’re getting new customers which is wonderful as well.

”

“In hindsight, within the first six weeks we had made a lot of decisions quite quickly. We didn’t stop to pause, we kept moving.

In the Ballantynes complex, the historic Stables buildings and the new Anderson building have both been demolished.

“I knew the main building had stood up well.

In the first couple of months there were elements of doubt which was why we looked at other retail locations and what would the business be. But after the first couple of months we knew we would have a store, a base - we got more confident. We’d had extensive engineering reports, we’d had seismic modeling.

So, like the rest of the shops on Cashel Street, parts of Ballntynes operate from temporary containers. However, the transition is seamless – if you found yourself inside the department store, you’d have to be actively looking to see how it changed from solid building to temporary structure.

“We were lucky in being Ballantynes that we were able to get expert assessment on different areas early on, so we knew what we were dealing with, which was advantageous, for it has helped us with the speed in which we recovered.”

Restart the heart Eight months after the devastating February earthquake, Cashel Mall reopened. Devine is part of a tight-knit group of property owners in the CBD who had come together during the past few years to revitalise it and meet the challenges the September 4 and Boxing Day quakes had brought.

Restart was their brainchild - and to kick off Cup & Show week it was opened by the Prime Minister to a crowd of thousands.

Beautifully landscaped, with bright appealing shops, Christchurch people are embracing their new CBD retail district. That energy is contagious, Devine says.

“Restart is better than anyone ever anticipated. It’s got people hopeful again, there’s a real upbeat nature which is encouraging because it’s been such a difficult year. I think with Restart, it’s progress in an innovative way. If we apply that in a city perspective what we achieve could be amazing.”

It may sound contradictory, but retailers must work together with their competitors to form a cluster – because people want to visit a range of shops, not just one. That’s why Devine was so heavily involved in Restart and why she says it is so important the CBD is rebuilt as a thriving centre.

“With the city plan we must ensure there is an economic model for property owners through it all so that it is viable, so there are incentives so commercially it stacks up.

“I think people can buy into a vision, but at the end of the day they’ve got to ensure they’re being prudent from their own commercial interests. So it’s ensuring we can match the vision to the commercial reality that’s the area we need to focus on.”

2011 may have been a rough year, and the next few are sure to be the same. But Devine remains energetic, positive and confident.

“It’s been a real journey. We certainly still have challenges ahead but I think that we know where they are now. Prior to opening we didn’t really know how things would evolve. I think we’re really fortunate with the loyalty we’ve been shown by our customers - and we’re getting new customers which is wonderful as well.

A History 1854 Ballantynes is established, originally named

Dunstable House by its founders 1872 J Ballantyne buys the business 1883 Timaru branch opens 1920 Becomes a registered company, run by John

Ballantynes’ descendants 1947 41 staff are killed when the Ballantynes building

burns down 1960 The new building reopens on the same site, the

corner of Colombo and Cashel Street 1996 Richard Ballantyne takes over the management

from his uncle Campbell Ballantyne 2010 Mary Devine is appointed managing director, the

first non-family member in a century to hold

the post 2011 The February 22nd earthquake destroys much of

Cashel Mall, including parts of the Ballantynes

building.

2011 In October, Ballantynes and the rest of the Restart

project reopens to a crowd of thousands.

“So here’s to 2012!” www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 13

News | Quick Questions

The state of the nation

By Bridget Gourlay Euro in crisis Trouble in Europe has been hitting the headlines as the continent struggles with serious debt.

“The European sovereign debt crisis owed much of it origin to the GFC but also to the imbalances that had built up in many economics, through large unsustainable fiscal deficits, persistent current account deficits and demographic and other public liabilities,” Bollard explains.

Dr Allan Bollard

At the start of 2011, life was very different in Christchurch. We’d been hit, but were well on the way to recovering from the September 4 and Boxing Day earthquakes.

While things were looking tricky in Europe, we didn’t think we’d lose track of how many times Greece could get bailed out by the year’s end.

The economic effects of these two events were the topic of Dr Alan Bollard’s address to the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce in Christchurch in late January.

While we live in shaky times (sometimes literally), his speech was tinged with optimism.

The European crisis is complicated, he says, and 2012 could be a difficult year.

“A disorderly Greek default with funding markets seizing up for other governments and banks would have a major negative effect on the euro zone and the rest of the world economy. In a worst-case scenario this could lead to the break-up of the European union,” Bollard says, although he doesn’t think this is very likely.

flexibility and has helped growth, but could not shield us from the slowdown in world demand or the drying up of financing even if it has meant a smaller drop in demand for our exports.

“Economies in the Asia-Pacific (including Australia) account for around 60 percent of New Zealand’s merchandise exports by value, a significantly larger share than exports to the euro area (at just seven percent).”

Put simply, a recession in Europe could spark a slowdown in Asia, pushing down commodity prices, and having a marked impact on Australia and New Zealand.

Seismic shocks The February 22nd earthquake changed life as we know it and one year on its effects are still being felt.

After what has been for most of us one of the most difficult years of our lives, things are beginning to look up for Canterbury economically as the rebuild kicks in.

“We believe the euro-zone will stay in tact… looking ahead, the current economic recovery is very slow and fragile and there will be “Reconstruction is projected to eventually more problems ahead; it may take some years provide a boost to demand similar to the for Europe to get back on to the previous mid-2000s housing boom. Residential and growth track.” non-residential investment will lift growth sharply,” Bollard says.

So what does this mean for us? Sadly, our geographical isolation is no protection from Christchurch was in a unique position when economic events abroad. If major world it comes to re-insurance. With 80 percent of economies have a significant economic Christchurch reinsured, capital is less of an problem then that is going to affect us too, issue than in other countries, Bollard says, as New Zealand has seen in our export something Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of commodity prices, currency and funding our Commerce CEO Peter Townsend expanded on. foreign debt.

He pointed out that when disaster hit in Haiti only one percent of buildings were insured “New Zealand’s increasing reliance on Asia and in Turkey that figure was four percent. In as a trading partner reflects export market

developed, but earthquake-prone Japan, the figure was 17 percent and in Chile 27 percent.

In Christchurch, the figure was 80 percent.

All this means reconstruction money will be soon flowing in – and the economy will be boosted by the large reconstruction workforce that will require accommodation and services as the city rebuilds.

This is a positive statistics that means serious reconstruction money will be flooding in.

Townsend says we must meet this challenge.

“It’s time to work towards creating an environment that will ensure capital gains in the city. It is time to recognise the inevitability of changing labour force dynamics and population volatility as we go into the future where we fully expect 30,000 FTEs [Full Time Equivalents – meaning jobs] above the usual to rebuild this city.

“It is time to come to terms with the delays associated with the continuous seismic activity and to work out what we can do; the big wheels of economic recovery are starting to turn. It is time to recognise that this city is moving in a new direction, we are not going back to what we were... As we recover we should be endeavouring to ride the great tailwinds of our time as a city.”

Bollard says the uncertainty of last year is somewhat over.

“In terms made famous by Donald Rumsfeld, we are moving from ‘unknown unknowns’ to ‘known unknowns’. We cannot expect to have complete clarity for 2012. Unexpected things will continue to happen and there will be more aftershocks, both financial and seismic; the effects of both shocks could continue to rumble on for some time.”

Don’t let fear rule decisions in volatile markets Market volatility is likely to continue in 2012 and traders can best equip themselves by understanding how the market responds to events and not acting in a kneejerk fashion.

CMC Markets head of analysis and education, David Land, has analysed volume and trading data over the past year to form three top themes to help traders in the year ahead:

moment, but while there has without doubt been some significant spikes in the past few months, overall average market moves over the long term have not been that variable.

• Theme one: price versus volume. The past year has shown us volume and price are not always linked and in fact while volumes have increased, the dollar value per transaction has slowed. Therefore it is important for traders to realise the value of turnover, not turnover levels, is the most accurate gauge of how much actual money is moving in the market.

• Theme three: Misery loves company. An analysis of price versus volume in 2011 shows downwards spikes in the share market correspond with upward spikes in volume.

What this means is traders are getting out of the market due to fear, when what they are actually doing is exiting when the market is at a low - at the worst time.

• Theme two: Trading conditions have changed over the decade. It’s easy to think there is above average volatility at the

“The trading world is likely to remain turbulent and difficult to navigate in the year ahead and predicting periods of volatility will

14 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

be virtually impossible,” he says.” The best thing a trader can do is arm themselves with solid knowledge of how the market responds to events and understand they are part and parcel of the share market. They should avoid making trading decisions based on fear.”

News | Top Tips

Show me the

money

By Bridget Gourlay

Late nights, weekend work, big results… but you’re still on the same salary you were two years ago! When it’s time to talk pay there’s a number of things employees need to do to present the best possible case.

Be prepared Firstly, go in prepared. Felicity Ryan, founder and CEO of Ryan Recruitment says to bring in evidence of the hard work you’ve done. For roles where you actively bring money into the company, such as sales, show how much money you generate. But if your role isn’t money-generating, don’t despair.

“Discuss the money you have saved the company or the quality of your work, the way you’ve trained new employees, or if you’ve won awards for the business,” Ryan advises.

And leave the personal life at home. If your wife is expecting another child, or you’re saving to buy a house, leave that out of the pay discussions.

“Focus purely on work related matters.

What is going on in your life is your life.

Your personal choices or decisions have no bearing on your job.”

Be honest Employees sometimes get offered new jobs, either because they’ve actively looked for them or because they’ve been headhunted.

Ryan says honesty is the best policy in this case.

“It doesn’t pay to leverage one company off another. In reality it happens – sometimes unintentionally, sometimes it’s strategic.

It’s bad form and you are not enhancing your future relationship with your current employer.”

Again be honest when negotiating the pay rise. If you earn $60,000 and expect a pay rise of five percent, don’t ask for more and then negotiate down to five percent. Forget the mind games and be honest about how much you think you are worth.

Because discussing pay with your colleagues is bad form, Ryan suggests looking at other similar jobs advertised, or talking to an HR

company that does remuneration reviews, so you can find out what the market rate is.

Be calm If you don’t get a pay rise, there’s no doubt you will feel really disappointed. It might be tempting to lose your cool and threaten to quit, but Ryan says to keep emotion out of it.

Instead she suggests you calmly tell your employer you disagree and will investigate other options. “Think of the big picture of benefits; what are the benefits of your current job? If you’re with an airline company say, that has travel benefits – is an extra three grand a year really worth leaving that?

“Top employees should not have to ask for an increase, A top employer should go to you and make sure you are happy and well looked after. I realise how idealistic that sounds!

But good employers should be initiating the conversation.”

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 15

News | Love your company

Put a

little love into your work

By Kayte John

Valentine’s Day has come and 1. Love the team 3. Be yourself 5. Focus on the things you can do gone – you either love it or hate We all find some people easier to work with Where can you improve your job? What can Many people say they act very different at it! However, it’s a great excuse to than others. Consider the people you don’t home compared to how they behave at work. you delegate? Do the things you don’t like doing first each day so that you reduce the express a little emotion and spread get on with as easily - try and find out what When we are playing different roles like this, motivates them, what they value in life and in we are not being fully authentic and can come amount of time spent analysing over them. the love. We happily express love work, understand their goals and objectives Review your workload on a weekly and across as fake. Relax and be yourself – its less as they probably differ from yours. When for our partners, family, friends, monthly basis. Where are you focusing your hard work than trying to be someone else! we understand people it becomes easier to energy? Where would you like to focus your pets, even our neighbours…well connect and collaborate because we treat energy? Consider what needs to be dropped in some of them. Some people love each other with respect. Very few people order to do the things you really want to.

4. Turn up your strengths being outdoors, some people love come to work to do a bad job, so find out rugby and some people love cake what is driving them.

Consider where you excel - how can you 6. Stop focusing on the money do this even more? For example, if one of - our capacity to love is extremely your traits is to be enthusiastic, try being Money will never be enough so stop using vast. So why is love often missing 2. State your needs enthusiastic in a situation that normally drags it as an excuse. Whatever salary you are from the workplace?

What is important to you? Which of your bringing home - there is always going to be you down. Look at the positives and stop If you find yourself looking at your career and wishing you were on a path you felt more passionate and energised about, then here are six ways to love the job you may be starting to loathe.

personal values are not being met? How well do the team and your employer understand you? Tell them what is important to you, be open and honest - be willing to accept your mistakes and ask for help when you need it.

looking at the negatives for a change.

things you could do or would do if you had more. Getting paid is only one small part of what you do; your work has to be more than just a paycheck to be fulfilling.

Signs your job might be worth sticking with...

Finding a job now can be harder than ever, so sticking to the one you have got may be worth while. Here are signs that your current job might be worth staying at.

Your boss/company wants to use You have real responsibility you to your fullest potential and for things that matter in your workplace listens to your suggestions If it matters to your boss when you are underutilised, that indicates that he/she values you as a person and not just as an employee.

A boss who truly listens is a boss you can communicate honestly with. Having a real ‘say’ in what happens at work will give you a lift - it might not be what you truly care about, but at least your opinion matters.

Giving you independent responsibility says that your boss trusts you and that you are trustworthy. Clearly you are a valued employee. An employer who trusts you is one to consider staying with if you’re unsure what else is out there, or until you are sure.

16 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

You have a good working relationship with your co-workers Bad co-workers make for a miserable work environment, and good co-workers can be hard to find. If you’re at a job where you like working with the people around you, then you’re in a good place. From that good place, you can take your time making decisions about your next move.

You have decided to quit...

If you think quitting your job is the right decision, go through this checklist before making any hasty decisions.

• Discuss your thoughts about quitting with your spouse, family and friends • Think about all your options - can your current job situation be improved by talking to your employer?

• Can you afford to quit financially? If not, try to line up a new job, even a temporary one before you quit • If necessary, reduce your living expenses to save money before (and after) you quit • Whatever decision you make, try not to make it too quickly! Whatever the outcome, try to stay positive about it. This will make it easier to find a new job or improve the one you’re already in.

News | One year on

One year on The one year anniversary since the February earthquake is drawing closer. It struck Canterbury, changing our lives and destroying our CBD. As we begin to rebuild and recover, Kayte John talks industries about the devastating event and how they are moving forward.

Michael Turner Canterbury Restaurant Association head and owner of Café Valentino “The February earthquake was a life changing event for many hospitality industry operators.

The past two years had not been great and many were struggling to overcome the lingering effects of the September quake.

“However, there was light at the end of the tunnel, the promise of Rugby World Cup crowds, an improving economy, things might just be getting better - then February 22 hit.

“For many life has become an ongoing battle with insurance companies, finding new premises and trying to recreate accounting records. Some were under-insured, others have been battling with insurance companies over contentious ‘proof of ownership’ clauses in policies. Others have accepted pay outs for much less than the equipment replacement value just to get on with life.

“For those not located in the central city however, it has been a life changing event in a different way - business has boomed.

Hospitality operations that had been struggling to make ends meet were suddenly struggling to cope with the increased trade.

And as displaced city operators sought to buy cash flow businesses so the asking price of those businesses has tripled or quadrupled in some cases.

“Shipping container bars have sprung up as desperate punters have looked for somewhere to replace their lost drinking spots. Everyone has a view on the next ‘hot’ suburb, will it be Addington or will it be Sydenham?

“The future for many though remains uncertain. Restaurants have always sought the warmth and charm of character buildings; there are now few of those left. There is some uncertainty about who will re-open in the central city and more importantly when.”

earthquake, to see where they were going.

We found out people were concerned about their lease – getting their stock out of red zone and whether staff would have a job to come back to.

“The New Zealand Retailers Association organised three large meetings covering all those aspects and more. We spoke to 30 to 40 people in the retail industry, working with them individually about whether they should move, quit, and sell their business or whether there was the opportunity to carry on. We found the majority of people retired and sold their business.

the most, they need the ability to get back on their feet. They are in Christchurch for the long haul and all efforts must go into their recovery.”

Tim Hunter Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism chief executive “The effects of February’s quake on Canterbury’s tourism industry have been far-reaching. The images of destruction that flashed around the world in the days immediately following the quake now define some people’s perceptions of Christchurch and we have to work hard to convince markets that Christchurch and Canterbury are still worth visiting.

“We have seen some tremendous changes and challenges in Christchurch and we are still helping retailers through every possible angle. Since the Restart of Cashel Mall the atmosphere has clearly improved and they are “Ninety percent of Christchurch’s key visitor all extremely busy. attractions are welcoming visitors and “The businesses that have shifted out of town although two-thirds of our hotels were either and reopened have extended their hours to damaged or in the red zone, there are still keep up with the demand. Christchurch malls 8,400 commercial beds available in the city. around the city have been astronomically “Repairing our major tourism assets is going busy, but without our city this was bound to take time. Our Convention Centre has been to happen. Areas such as Rangiora and damaged beyond repair and some of our Ashburton have doubled in population, the other major event and conferencing facilities, retail side in the areas are thriving.” including AMI Stadium.

Warwick Quinn Registered Master Builders Federation CEO “While the rebuild residential area is taking place the commercial inner-city rebuild may not begin until later this year and into 2013.

As construction is currently at the lowest point it has been at living memory, the rebuild will mean sweet relief for builders.

“In six months time it will be busier, although we have thought this for a while. And its not just tradestaff that may be needed but professional engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, foreman, project managers a range of jobs really. Builders will be greatly needed for the next 10 years.

“On the plus side we’ve managed to find a temporary new home for our i-SITE Visitor Centre and this year a number of central city hotels will re-open. Projects like the Restart in Cashel Mall has brought life and vitality back into the heart of the city and high profile events like the BMW New Zealand Golf Open and the upcoming Ellerslie International Flower Show are helping show the world Christchurch is back on its feet.”

Where are we now?

The good - Businesses that may have been struggling in suburbs are now busy

- Heightened sense of what is important – Become a resilient nation - Creative innovation of the many businesses that have re-opened in shipping containers

- The chance to become a bigger and better city with safer buildings - Student Amy, community support groups and people coming together to support one another

The bad - The traffic and condition of the majority of our roads

- Individuals and organisations

exploiting Christchurch’s vulnerability for personal gain

Brian Finlayson

“International trades people are being recruited to work on the rebuild, which I am New Zealand Retailers Association Southern not entirely happy about. I appreciate there Region manager will be a need to import expertise and that it “After the February 22 earthquake we decided takes time, but the first port of call must be the existing skillbase in Christchurch, then the to help the retailers by implementing no South Island, then New Zealand before we charge whatsoever - it was important to get look offshore. them back on their feet.

“The first two weeks in April we interviewed 98 retailers who had been affected by

“I would really like to see the work going to local builders first they are the ones struggling

The ugly - Loss of life, on-going trauma and loss of livelihoods - Losing iconic and historic buildings - Communities and suburbs remain badly damaged

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 17

News| Destinations

paradise

French Pacific

By Bridget Gourlay

An array of fresh crusty bread stands before me, the smell of baking scents the muggy air. There are very few places in this world I’d rather be then in a French bakery.

As I stand in line, desperately trying to make a choice, I watch the bakers weave in and out of the shop with trays of delights – pastries, brioche, croissants. When it’s my turn, I bring out my rusty French to order and am handed a pain au raisin; the smell intoxicating, the bread warm.

Despite this very French scene, I’m not in Europe at all but much closer to home – Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia.

Outside the bakery, palm trees wave in the wind, the sun beats down on the sparkling sea.

There’s no doubt about it, the essential Pacific ingredients of sun, surf and sand exist here giving it a double appeal – it’s both a slice of France a few hours from Auckland, but also does the Pacific Island paradise thing very, very well.

Although it is one of our Pacific neighbors, I and many other New Zealanders probably don’t know as much about New Caledonia as we do countries like Fiji and Tonga. But it has a rich and fascinating history that greatly impacts on its politics today.

Until 1755, New Caledonia was home to the Kanaks, a Melanesian people who hunted and fished on the exquisite islands. When it was colonised by the French, it was turned into a penal colony and many of the indigenous people were rounded up and enslaved in sugar plantations in Queensland, Fiji and Samoa. This practice, called “blackbirding”, is one of the ugliest moments in the history of the Pacific.

A century and a half on, New Caledonia today is home to a mélange of cultures. Firstly, there’s the French fresh from Europe that work on the island, usually in the top jobs like running hotels, in the military and in the lucrative nickel industry.

Then there’s the New Caledonians descended from the 18th century prisoners and other French settlers – a mix of white, African and Arab people, and then the Chinese and Indonesians who arrived over a century ago.

“

There’s no doubt about it, the essential Pacific ingredients of sun, surf and sand exist here giving it a double appeal – it’s both a slice of France a few hours from Auckland, but also does the Pacific Island paradise thing very, very well.

”

Buddhist temples and Catholic churches, typically French treelined boulevards by the sparkling Pacific Ocean, menus that have Asian, French and Kanak food.

To really soak in Noumea’s charm, chill at the Place de Cocotiers. That’s the grassy square right in the city’s heart; lined with trees and humming with cicadas. There’ll be children playing, heat-exhausted tourists seeking shade and locals napping beneath the trees.

In the middle of it stands an historic rotunda where bands frequently play, there’s a giant chess set in one corner, and – of course - a petanque pitch.

They say never judge a book by its cover, and I believe you should never judge a city by its With the indigenous Kanaks, all these cultures capital. France is filled with friendly people and a slower-paced lifestyle, which you’d live together in Noumea; the country’s humming capital. As you explore you’ll see never believe on a trip to Paris.

18 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

The same can be said about London and England or Madrid and Spain. Walking in Noumea you could think you were in a small French city, but you’d never make that mistake in the rest of New Caledonia. In the countryside, there’s lush rainforest, crystal lagoons and some of the best beaches in the world.

That’s why I visited Amedee Island, only an hour’s boat ride from Noumea but truly a world away. The tiny island’s centre has an historic lighthouse, which the more energetic climb for an amazing view, while other visitors laze on the beach. It’s a tourist hub, and locals enthusiastically put on a number of demonstrations; there’s dancing, and an enormous buffet. But the thing that will forever be burned into my mind was an encounter with one of the island’s reptilian residents.

I was standing under the shade of a large tree watching a Kanak man climb a coconut tree to the top in the lazy, effortless way we might walk a couple of metres. He was helping a tourist try to do the same thing while we cheered them on.

Suddenly, a foot long snake dropped out of the branch in front of me, hung in mid air for a second, looked me right in the eye, then fell to the floor. They say travel is about finding yourself; and I really never knew I could yell so loud or run so fast.

Worst of all was catching the look from the group of Australians next to me, who hadn’t moved an inch throughout the entire hullabaloo. There was a smirk on their faces that seemed to say ‘Kiwis. A foot long slightlyvenomous snake is nothing.’

It wasn’t until I was on the boat riding back to Noumea, reflecting on the day at the barely inhabited island, that I realised the incident with the snake had actually been a highlight of the whole trip. Because, just for a moment, I’d looked a wild creature right in the eye.

Sure, I’d made a fool of myself and my country by screaming my head off, but that didn’t really matter. I sat on the roof of the boat, watching the imposing island lighthouse shrink to a pinprick in the distance. A local pointed out a giant turtle to his son, and later dolphins swam alongside us.

It’s not everyday a city girl gets that close to nature. Just for an instant, I forgot the hustle and bustle of Noumea, the traffic that awaited me, and was simply overwhelmed by the wild animals, the noise of the waves, the blue and endless sea.

Business advice New Caledonia is not one of New Zealand’s main trading partners. Nickel (a key ingredient for stainless steel production) accounts for over 90 percent of New Caledonia’s export earnings - it is the world’s third largest producer with an estimated one quarter of the world’s nickel reserves.

New Zealand tourist numbers to New Caledonia have grown steadily as a result of the opening of a New Caledonia Tourism Promotion Office in Auckland in 2004, although numbers slowed in 2008’s recession

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 19

News | Export Trends 2012

The big picture Exporting in 2012; what’s hot and what’s not

Exporting has been a crucial part of New Zealand’s economy since colonisation. It was our whale oil that lit the lamps of 18th century Paris and our lamb served at the dinner table of posh Victorian households.

But since then our exports, and our markets, have changed dramatically. These days it’s dairy to Asia, meat to the Middle East and education, manufactured goods and wine to the world.

Bridget Gourlay scans a critical eye over foreign markets to look at what’s hot and what’s not in 2012 and beyond.

Asia Asia is our exporting buzzword – it’s a heady mix of emerging middle classes starting to demand products we specialise in on an ever-growing scale. It’s possible to eat a New Zealand Natural ice cream in Singapore, or a slice of Hell’s Pizza in Seoul.

Make no mistake, China and India are the big two. Our FTA with China was originally projected to lift New Zealand’s export revenue from trade with the country by between NZ$225-$350 million per year. Far exceeding expectations, in the first year of implementation New Zealand exports to China increased by NZ$1 billion to $3.5 billion. This success has also meant China has eclipsed the USA and become our second largest export market. New Zealand exports in 2010 totalled $4.83 billion, up a staggering 33 percent on 2009.

Talks are underway for a free trade agreement with the other booming Asian economy, India. Currently the world’s 10th largest economy, its growing middle class and a youthful and increasingly well educated population offers a plethora of opportunities.

Two-way trade is worth more than $1.2 billion per year and India has become our third-largest source of international students and 10th largest source of visitors. However, other markets offer an array of opportunity.

With the recently-signed ASEAN (AustraliaNew Zealand Free Trade Area) agreement, we have better access to a number of growing and vibrant economies, such as Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. In all of these Asian countries, it’s food and beverages, high tech manufacturing and education that are doing well.

Europe It’s hard to turn on the TV or pick up a newspaper without reading about the serious economic situation in Europe. Headlines seem 20 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

to always discuss the 125th bailout Greece has received. However, that doesn’t mean the continent should be discounted. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) regional director of Europe, Ann Chappaz says it’s important to remember how wealthy Europe still is.

It’s a place “with high levels of GDP/capita, relatively low levels of household debt, and a very welcoming and low risk environment for doing business”.

She says European companies selling into global supply chains are posting comfortable profits and the tourism sector in Spain and France remains strong. “Furthermore, the need for cost savings means that New Zealand businesses offering productivity gains will be taken seriously, especially in the public sector.

“Businesses should listen to advice from their financial experts about how to manage the currency risk in Europe, but relative to many other markets, Europe still offers a large, wealthy market for New Zealand’s premium products and is a point of access into multi-national partners that can help take distribution global.”

shows New Zealand has a positive image and reputation in the food and beverage space in terms of quality, safety and innovation. For example, the United States wine market is forecast to grow to 407 million cases of table wine by 2030 from the 282 million cases sold in 2009, presenting significant opportunity for New Zealand wine.

Research conducted in 2009 and 2010 by NZTE showed that United States consumers no longer consider living more sustainably as an alternative lifestyle. Although ‘quality’ is the most important United States purchase driver, attributes that relate to sustainability often strongly suggest quality to United States consumers, with some willing to pay up to 10 percent more for more ‘sustainable’ products.

Other markets

There are other growing markets Kiwi companies would do well to keep an eye on. Most of these are outside of our traditional exporting base, which have young populations of growing wealth.

USA Take Saudi Arabia. In 2010 it was New Zealand’s 16th most significant export Another country that dominates the destination, and largest export destination in ‘economic gloom’ part of the news is the the Middle East. Despite their oil, New Zealand United States. Despite the fact our overall held a considerable trade surplus with Saudi imports and exports with the US have fallen Arabia in 2010, with exports approximately marginally during the past decade, it is still twice the value of imports from the Kingdom.

New Zealand’s third largest destination for exported goods (behind Australia and China). New Zealand exports to Saudi Arabia have grown by just under 50 percent over the past The Land of Opportunity is still just that for few years, from NZ$411 million in 2006 to Kiwi businesses. For example, NZTE’s recent report on the country shows the United States NZ$615 million in 2010.

“More New Zealand businesses are also aviation industry is forecast to remain strong starting to consider the three big emerging and continue to grow. Opportunities for New powers in the EMEA (Europe/Middle East/ Zealand aviation companies continue to Africa) region - Russia, Turkey and South remain in the specialised equipment, niche Africa where high growth rates have been aviation products and pilot training sectors. sustained,” NZTE’s Ann Chappaz says. “As On the ground in the airports, companies with the Middle East, these young, educated offering security technologies and streamlined populations provide a built in demographic systems such as baggage handling operations dividend making them attractive investment stand to be successful. locations as well as offering a rapidly growing middle-class consumer base.”

Again, food and beverages are key. Research

News | Features

Wonderful

Waipara

As the well-known wine critic Bob Campbell puts it, “Canterbury’s stunning Waipara region is one of the unsung heroes of the wine industry.”

It has become the fastest growing wine region in New Zealand with around 80 vineyards in the Waipara Valley, covering more than 1,200 hectares of plantings.

There is no surprise that it has quickly become one of the great wine capitals of the world. Waipara has become synonymous with fine wine and great food and it’s right on our doorstep!

Only a 40 minute drive north of Christchurch, Waipara’s wineries currently produce in excess of 250,000 cases of wine each year (and growing). Warm summers with norwest winds and sloping terrain harness the sun, which provides ideal conditions for growing grapes.

In 1981 Waipara River Estate, formerly known as Glenmark Wines, planted the first vineyard. The 80 acre farm grows grapes, raises beef cattle and now hosts a luxury bed and breakfast, Annie’s Loft and Studio.

Since then an array of vineyards have opened giving the valley its true title - the world’s greenest wine region.

It’s not difficult to persuade me to have a glass of wine especially in Waipara as it produces some of my favourties. It’s a miserable day but that doesn’t stop me from grabbing my umbrella and heading out the door.

Waipara has more than 15 wineries with cellar doors that are open to the public. Here you can drop in, taste wines and at some, enjoy a meal, a lunch platter or a coffee. As I arrive the rain has vanished and the sun emerges through the dark clouds encasing the vine-covered hills.

My first stop is the impressive Pegasus Bay Winery where I meet marketing manager, Edward Donaldson. The family run business is famous for its award winning wines and renowned world class restaurant.

It’s a Wednesday afternoon and I expect the place to be fairly quiet –I was wrong.

The restaurant is full for lunch and a flock of tourists have assembled in the tasting room. Donaldson explains that tourists are still visiting and the locals are making up for the short-fall. He also explains that Pegasus Bay has a large international market and a sizable percentage of its wines are imported all around the world. As I leave a family from Seattle tells me they came all the way from the US to taste our fine wine – leaving me and Donaldson smiling.

Before I head to some of the smaller wineries I make sure I pop into The Mud House Winery and Café - always a great place for lunch and to sample its broad wine list.

The manager, Jenny Anderson is very welcoming and the staff is more than happy to talk you through the wines. As I walk outside with my chilled riesling a helicopter gracefully lands and a couple emerge looking very eager to have lunch. Anderson explains that heli lunch tours are very popular with tourists and even locals, as it provides a quick way to Waipara from Christchurch.

Wineries not open to the public offer tastings by appointment only. This shouldn’t stop you from getting in touch and booking - and it’s happily advised by the owners. Crater Rim, Muddy Water, Black Estate and Dancing Water are just a small handful of these boutique wineries. It would be a sin not to visit some of the smaller wineries as they offer a personal touch and its wines are truly out of this world.

I visit Greystone’s/Muddy Water’s cellar door and sip on a pinot noir, savouring its silky plum taste. It’s easy to get caught up in conversation as I did with Jacinda Amer, the cellar door manager. I was even given a tour by their viticulturist, Nick Gill who explained

Pegasus Bay Restaurant (inside) - image courtesy of Pegasus Bay

“Warm summers with nor-west winds and sloping terrain harness the sun, which provides ideal conditions for growing grapes.” the grape types and gave me a little history about the vineyard. Last year Greystone won the 2011 Winemaker of the Year award - a true testament to their hard work and commitment that goes into its wines. Many visitors will be keen to visit the Waipara Valley not only for tastings of superb wines but also for the excellent food that’s also on offer. Wineries such as Waipara Springs, Mud House and Pegasus Bay all provide a great lunch menu.

Last year, Pegasus Bay was voted ‘Best Winery Restaurant’ in New Zealand for the fourth consecutive year running.

As I visit my last winery, Waipara Springs, owner Jill Moore explains that business has been great regardless of the continuous quakes. The Rugby World Cup last year saw droves of tourists in their cars and campers visiting the area in between matches. Waipara Springs has a great outdoor area surrounded by trees and shrubs, where you can sit and relax with a glass of wine and feel like you’re a million miles away from civilisation.

The Waipara Valley also hosts some of the best food and wine events of the year. This year the Classic Hits Winery Tour takes place on February 18. A day to relax and enjoy the Kiwi sounds of Gin Wigmore, The Mutton

Birds and Avalanche City. You can bring your own food to the event and food stalls will be on site. The event is fully licensed with wine, beer and soft drinks available.

Another event not to be missed is the Waipara Valley Wine and Food Festival.

Taking place on March 3, it’s one of the most exciting wine and food events in New Zealand. More than 20 wineries and many local food producers will come together serenaded by music from Herbs, Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra and Christchurch Pops Choir.

As I leave Waipara with my proud purchases and friend who joined me as my designated driver (thank you!) I realise that we have committed the sin of many travellers to New Zealand – underestimating our time.

One day is simply not enough to experience the wonders of the Waipara Valley. I’ve only visited a handful of the wineries here. Guess I just need to go back for another visit - wine and food festival anyone?

For more information on the Waipara food and wine events visit: www.thewinerytour.co.nz and www.waiparawineandfood.co.nz

Above: Lunch at Mud House Winery and Café

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 21

View these photos and more online at www.canterburytoday.co.nz

beenseen Images taken and supplied by Lynne Puddy-Greenwood, Events Editor.

If you have an event that you’d like covered, email Lynne at lynne.p@academy.net.nz

Radio Network

Kiwi Family Trust

Radio Network celebrated with their clients and staff the opening of their new offices in Midas Place and again all being under one roof.

Current staff and previous employees of Kiwi Family Trust recently gathered to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Trust at JDV Bar.

1 John McKenzie, Glen Kyne,

1

5

17

Chris Walsh (Tree Tech)

17 Jackie Soper (State Insurance),

2 Rita Gatenby (Holly Lea), Trish

Andrews

3 Chris Goom (Little Big Tree Co.), Mark Leighs (Potteryworld), Marshall Brown.

4 Andrew Britt, Chris Hair.

Nelson Soper (CEO KFT), Shaz McFarlane (Hellers/KFT Trustee), Bella Paton (KFT), Barbara Aitken (KFT).

18 Joss Martinez (KFT), David Hide

Annabel Judd, John Luxton (Avon City Ford).

6 Dave Richards, (Coca Cola), Diana

18 Robert Rainsbury (Ray White

5 Steve McCaughan (Chch Star),

2

6

18

& Ollie Harrow (Sweethearts @ Berryfields), Megan KeithMitchell, Alesha Stefanissin (Chch Casino).

7 Jimmy Farrant, Jo McMaster

3

7

(Creative Works), Naoe Kiyomine (KFT), Karen Manuel (KFT), Sherma Kala (A One Communications).

Cashmere), Brenda Rainsbury (Workbridge), Ken Kilgour (KFT), Livvie Kilgour.

19 Linda Chesmar (KFT), Patrick

19

(Addington Raceway), Ged Mooar.

8 Tim Dyer, Kerre Woodham.

Chesmar (Pats Painting Services), Penni Phelan, Rochelle Connell (KFT).

Dux Live A big step as part of the rebuild in Christchurch saw the opening of the Dux Live in Lincoln Road recently.

9

4

24 8

20

9

11

13

15

10

12

14

16

David Lynch (Momentum PR), Richmond Paynter.

10 Lisa & Richard Sinke (Dux Owners).

11 Greig Bainbridge, Brendon

Clarke, Annoushka Paynter.

12 Kirsteen & Isabelle Britten.

13 Paul Hunter, John Scott.

14 Gary Boote, Vicki Van (Club 22).

15 Lou Gledhill, Scott McKenzie,

DK, Liz Sloan.

16 Jerry Knowles, Andrew

Clapshaw (Nex Gen Construction).

Look to the future...

Readers, Healers, Crystals Music, Food, and More...

22 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

10 – 11 March

Addington Raceway Adults $10, Children free

www.bodymindspirit.co.nz

News | Features

Top spot

<

Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses

You’ll feel like a modern version of Tarzan and Jane with this unique New Zealand accommodation, nested 30 feet above the ground in the canopy of a native Manuka grove. Each tree house has spectacular views of Kaikoura’s dramatic mountains and surf-washed Pacific coastline. The tree houses provide the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion- escape and treat yourself to the Tarzan and Jane Tree House retreat package.

This package includes one night in a luxury tree house, a bottle of wine on arrival, dinner and breakfast at $795 per couple (excluding GST). Whether you are looking for relaxation, nature, excitement, art, history and culture, or fine wines and cuisine, Kaikoura offers it all.

Compiled by Kayte John

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 23

Local photocopying company chalks up 35 years Providing Canterbury’s document solutions for 35 years is no mean feat! That’s what local firm Southern Business Machines (SBM) celebrates with the opening of a new showroom at 242 Ferry Road.

SBM is a specialist in office equipment including digital photocopiers, laser printers, faxes, scanners, wide format printers, multifunction devices and software solutions.

Directors John Otte and Des Haines have been involved in the photocopier industry for 32 and 20 years respectively. Both have extensive backgrounds in service and sales, so they know the company, its products and their clients’ needs inside out.

The result is the company has created a long standing reputation for excellent service.

Alongside this longevity, built on the business of delivering quality products, solid after-sales service and a genuine desire to look after customers, are the machines themselves, as the modern photocopying machine has come a long way in the last 35 years.

“Whether it is updating their current older equipment or upgrading from black and white to colour, we have the flexibility with both new and second-hand ex-lease machines to find a practical outcome that suits the customer.”

Through its new website, www.sbm.co.nz, the company is also boosting interest in its range of high-quality products. This site provides 24/7 access to product information, while enabling its clients to log service calls, order supplies, request quotes and load meter readings any time at their convenience.

“Our aim is to offer a high level of knowledge, professionalism and service back up,” Otte says. This ensures a ‘hands on’ approach to office equipment in the Christchurch and wider Canterbury region.

The modern machine can make a difference to Being privately owned and operated allows SBM the freedom to source, supply and any office, increasing efficiency and security service various high quality, well known brand regarding copied and printed information. named office equipment such as, Canon, If you want to streamline office document Brother, Ricoh, HP, Pitney Bowes, oki and management and archiving, eliminate Kyocera. unnecessary manual processes, optimise staff In fact Southern Business Machines has been efficiency or monitor what you print more a Brother warranty agent since 1985 and has closely to control costs, you can. been a supplier and service agent for Ricoh for But what’s right for one office might not 35 years, specialising in older Ricoh copiers, printers and faxes. In 2006 the company suit another, so Otte says the company’s became a Canon dealer, which saw it grow primary role is to find a solution for any to become Canon New Zealand’s largest business situation. “If it is a home office, small to medium business or a multi-national privately owned dealership. corporation, we can tailor a solution to each Its experienced service department can repair individual’s needs. most equipment, with the company stocking “Many people aren’t aware of just how much a large range of spare parts and consumables.

The company can cater for the smallest Canon a modern machine can do and the impact desktop printer through to the largest, highit can have on their office, both in terms of end, multi-functioning machine. saving time and money.

“We’re locally owned and operated but we have 14 service agents nationwide,” Haines says. “We supply equipment throughout the country and we have agents nationwide to service those customers. Our largest clients have more machines outside Christchurch than they do here.”

Arguably the company’s biggest challenge is meeting the pace of change, as the technology is continually evolving as office equipment is now much more IT oriented.

“Four of our technicians have had more than 20 years in the industry each - that’s a lot of experience. Combined with the backing and full support of Canon New Zealand, SBM offers unparalleled service throughout New Zealand” One way this is delivered is through the software SBM has available.

All Canon software is scalable to suit your organisation’s needs, and offers a variety of options depending on daily staff workflow requirements. “We’ll work closely with you to tailor a software solution that’s just right for the needs of your organisation.”

Software packages include: • Information capture • Document security • Document distribution • Document accounting • Production software • Device management • Document archiving — Photos by Paul Terry

Southern Business Machines Limited Unit 2, 242 Ferry Road Phillipstown Christchurch T (03) 377 6776 F (03) 377 6777 E sales@sbm.co.nz www.sbm.co.nz

SBM through the years In 1976 the company was started as Copycat Distributors In 1981, Southern Business Machines was able to bring to the South Island RICOH branded copiers and faxes In 1985, SBM also became a Brother accredited agent, enabling it to sell, service and supply Brother products In 1988, the then directors of SBM started a company called Mandeville Machine

Rentals. The creation of this company was to complement SBM (with in-house financing) brought about by the demand for the renting, leasing and hire purchase of office equipment In 2006, SBM took on the Canon brand as a dealer for the Canterbury region with full Canon NZ Ltd support and back-up In 2011 due to the increase growth in the company SBM moved to new and bigger premises at unit 2, 242 Ferry Rd.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 25

Focus | Portside Logistics Timaru eye that sees only the difficulties and obstacles attached to the post-earthquake environment, but Butler says Christchurch is a strategic and sensible move for Portside Logistics Timaru that has been motivated by the needs and requirements of its existing client base.

“One of the primary drivers for us to establish a branch in Christchurch was our Timaru clients. We have had many comments and a strong demand communicated to us from Timaru clients that if we were to have a Christchurch presence they would jump on board – and they have, from day one,” Butler says of the loyalty of his customers.

“In the Christchurch market we have set ourselves up in the busy business and industrial hub of Sockburn, at 25 Buchanans Road. On site we have nearly 5000 square metres of quality dry storage space, as well as significant yard space for outside storage.”

TIMARU LOGISTICS COMPANY

creates Christchurch link

Logistics is a global phenomenon. Defined as the transition of goods between a point of origin and a point of destination, logistics has been the vehicle for the international trade of resource and products and has been a catalyst for globalisation.

Without the existence of logistics, we would not have the relationship we do with our foreign counterparts, nor would we have been able to become acquainted with the

unique people, places and professionals around the world and what they have to offer us and our businesses.

its sister company, it is also proud to offer customers its own divergent qualities and unique point of difference.

Logistics plays a critical and vital role all over the globe and the industry has continued to evolve, grow and mature with the proliferation of new technology and infrastructure that have tackled the tyranny of distance head on.

Of the business’ entry into the highly competitive market Butler says, “Portside Logistics Timaru was developed as a logistics company to serve exporters and importers, but we have also developed the business to service non importers and exporters too.”

A New Zealand business that is playing an integral role in the logistics industry today is Portside Logistics Timaru – a company that has been providing logistical solutions to businesses and consumers in South Canterbury for more than 15 years.

Providing a wide array of logistical services to its clients, the business is well respected in Timaru and has a strong appreciation of the fact that good service in the logistics industry is all about location, location, location.

A point of difference Established as the sister company to Hilton Haulage Transport Limited, Portside Logistics Timaru has always had strong professional foundations, but has worked hard to set itself apart in the market. And while general manager Steve Butler says the company looks to mirror the professional principles of

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Based centrally in Timaru on 1 Fraser Street, Portside Logistics Timaru also has storage areas in different locations around the port for the benefit of its clients.

The business is now in the process of expanding its operation with a new branch in Christchurch. At present, the Christchurch market across every sector from retail to logistics may seem fragile to the untrained

Butler adds that it is the specialised solutions the company can provide that makes the business so unique from its competitors and that really is the point of difference at Portside Logistics in Timaru and Christchurch.

“It is important to us that our customers feel important and that their needs are met and their expectations are exceeded.

“Often with the larger organisations and corporates, customers just become another number in the system because the company is so big. Whereas, we have the ability to tailor a solution to our clients’ specific requirements – with Portside Logistics in Timaru and Christchurch, customers will not get a stock standard solution because we appreciate that many of our clients have very unique requirements.”

In keeping with the company’s philosophy on providing great customer service, staff at Portside Logistics in Timaru and Christchurch are selected based on their experience and exceptional customer service skills, as Butler says excellent customer relationships are at the heart of the operation. “Essentially what we will be doing in Christchurch is what we have been committed to doing to date – maintaining our client relationships – something that is very important to us.

“Our goal for Timaru and Christchurch is to continue providing our clients with a point of difference. We are also mindful of keeping our personalised business attitude as this is a very important part of how we provide our customers with such good, oneon-one service.

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Focus | Portside Logistics Timaru

customers with more than 29,000 square metres of warehouse space available for use.

The services available to customers at Portside Logistics Timaru and Christchurch include:

Storage Shipping containers for hire or purchase Self storage facilities their storage or logistical requirements, when it is not feasible or realistic for them to do this in-house.

“One thing I drive home to everyone within our workplace is that we need to remain customer focused – we have a tight customer base and we have less than 20 staff which means our staff get to know our customers very well and on a first name basis – even at the senior level. Each of our staff members will work with three or four businesses and get to know them and their needs very well.

In order to provide and maintain its seamless services, the company works with a number of other organisations who help Portside Logistics in Timaru and Christchurch maintain their second to none service.

These businesses include PrimePort Timaru “Whenever they need to discuss a solution or Limited, Hilton Haulage Transport Limited, service with us, our existing customers know Independent Forklifts Limited, ProDriver they can drop in and see us and we make Limited, Aoraki Development Trust and sure we select staff who take pride and care Aorangi Customs Services Limited. “We also in their performance. We want new customers work with very successful suppliers who have to know this about us too.” been instrumental in providing feedback to us on what we can do to improve our client Discussing customer needs in detail and meeting their needs and expectations through relationships and better meet the needs of our clients.” a tailored solution enables the business to exercise and put into practise all of the Following a difficult global recession Butler skills and knowledge it has acquired to date. says the business is proud it has continued to Portside Logistics plays a pivotal role for many have such strong relationships with its clients. businesses who want to be able to outsource

“Even in tough times of economic recession when people are looking to tighten their numbers there is always still a big pool of customers who need the services we provide.

Forklift & driver hire

With a wealth of experience and a strong and positive reputation that precedes it, Portside Logistics Timaru is able to cater to all its customers’ supply chain needs from one or more of the services that it offers.

Alternatively, the business can also design a system specifically to fit a customer’s requirements.

Vanning/devanning containers

Whether they may be looking for a simple storage arrangement or a full supply chain package, Portside Logistics Timaru and Christchurch offer a comprehensive set of services to meet the varied needs of its

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“Proud to supply Portside Logistics with quality Merlo Telehandlers” TIMARU SeRvIng The new ZeALAnd TRAcToR And MAchIneRy MARkeTS RAcecoURSe RoAd, PLeASAnT PoInT hIghwAy, wAShdyke, TIMARU Ph: 03 687 4127 | e: RdAwbIn@PoweRfARMIng.co.nZ www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 27

Focus | Portside Logistics Timaru

Testimonials A business savvy organisation with commercial smarts knows it is only as good as its last job. Portside Logistics prides itself on doing the best job every time and the glowing appraisals offered by its customers are testament to just how well the business is doing its job.

“Throughout our long association with Portside Logistics we have found their team to be both dynamic and professional, providing a wide range of valuable services to the port users of Timaru.

This was highlighted during their recent involvement in the oil exploration venture that was set up in Timaru late last year.

Portside Logistics coordinated the shore-based operations of this complex operation in a highly proficient manner…”

PrimePort Timaru “In our industry it is important to be responsive in order to avoid costly delays.

Portside Logistics is an ideal service provider to our company, as they are always quick to take required action.We value our working relationship with the team at Portside as they have proven to be a reliable and convenient supplier.”

Sanford Ltd – Timaru “I know there were busy times and that activities did not always go as planned but the team in Timaru were able to handle all problems and we completed the drilling without any delays due to logistics which was a great outcome. Your entire team in Timaru worked together with the Tap and Diamond personnel and made this part of our operation a complete success.”

Tap Oil Limited

Timaru’s leading supplier of staff to Commercial and Industrial clients:

“We were in a real spot due to a disaster that had seriously affected our business, but thanks to the back up support that Portside were able to quickly supply, we were able to build our business up in short time. Your efforts are highly appreciated, and we would recommend your services to all in the retail industry....”

Portside Logistics Timaru Limited

Karmec Creations

www.portsidelogistics.co.nz

Timaru T (03) 684 9900 F (03) 688 5541 E info@portsidelogistics.co.nz

“Portside Logistics has provided us with • Temporary Placements - Any job, any industry • Permanent Placements - Any job, and industry excellent service in a professional manner for a long period of time. They devan containers, • Payroll Management • Health and Safety • Induction Services • Computer Skills Testing store and sort freight with the additional benefit of being able to provide a MAF For professional staffing solutions call Stafford accredited person to oversee the devanning process. We have every confidence in offering this service to our clients. I would not hesitate e-mail:info@staffordbusiness.co.nz • web: www.staffordbusiness.co.nz to recommend Portside Logistics to any future — Advertising Feature client”.

Ph. 03 688 4805

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• Grapples • Forks • Lift Jibs (certified) • Buckets • Box Rotators • Special Build Products For the best range of Telehandler attachments phone 0800802478 45 Treneglos Street, Washdyke, Timaru E:sales@rataindustries www.rataindustries.co.nz 28 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Focus | Southern Engineering Solutions

Machinery that’s made to measure Southern Engineering Solutions Limited in Christchurch offers a complete design-and-build package to the food processing industry both within New Zealand and overseas.

Southern Engineering Solutions (SES) has a strong history of providing turnkey solutions to the food processing industry, including the highly competitive meat industry.

Warren Rice, who has worked for SES for nine years, spent two years as a co-owner and last year purchased the company outright, says his highly skilled staff can take a project from initial concept through to design, build, installation and commission.

Design solutions Rice says SES’s ability to design unique machinery is one of its main strengths. “If a client wants any kind of machine built; we have our own R & D department,” he says. “We’ll look into it and if we think it’s a feasible idea we’ll enter into it.”

SES has been busy through last year’s economic recession and Canterbury earthquakes, completing a number of significant projects. These include a cooling tunnel for the French Bakery in Heathcote.

“Other companies just manufacture, but we’re very competitive and we offer a comprehensive solution,” he says. “Companies will often specialise in only one area of the Focus on quality food industry, but we do everything - fish, The demanding nature of the food processing vegetables, dairy and red meat. The end industry means SES operates to the highest result is a turnkey project.” standards in quality control.

The team at SES offers engineering solutions Rice has made significant changes since he that increase productivity, reduce worker purchased into SES three years ago. health risks and fatigue and maximise return “I’ve streamlined a lot of things and put on investment. systems in place so everything is checked off as it comes in, as well as when it goes out.

Everything is done before it leaves,” he says.

Meat industry specialists SES has extensive experience within the meat industry in New Zealand, and more recently in Asia and Australia. Rice has a long working record within the meat industry and has been involved in the manufacture, installation and commissioning of numerous industry projects over the years.

SES has recently undertaken several significant projects within the meat industry, including fitting out a newly refurbished lamb boning room for Anzco Foods Ashburton plant.

SES also works extensively for Alliance Group and Silver Fern Farms and is currently designing and building machinery for the company’s new Te Aroha plant.

“Quality assurance is a big thing, especially when we’re packing containers to go to Australia.”

Meat industry robotics

which provides complete automation and robotic solutions.

“We’re looking at incorporating robotics into our machinery in order to reduce human error,” Rice says.

“We have a couple of customers who are interested in robotics and it’s a growing area.”

Southern Engineering Solutions Limited 29 Lunns Road, Riccarton Christchurch T (03) 348 9744 F (03) 347 8090 www.sesltd.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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SES is working hard to grow its market within New Zealand’s meat and wastewater industries.

“We’re looking at building machinery to ease staff and ACC claims, focusing initially on packing areas,” Rice says.

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 29

Focus | Ginger Meggs Hair Salon

It’s all about

you On a damp Monday morning hair salon Ginger Meggs is winding up for another busy week. Mike Hamel, co-owner of the popular salon he runs with his wife Glynis, is not your average hairdresser.

Instantly recognisable in black trousers, a bright multi coloured striped top over a longsleeved bright orange T-shirt, black trainers with red laces and of course his trademark dreadlocked locks.

It’s obvious to say he stands out from the crowd; daring to be different gives Hamel his signature look. “You have to have great self esteem and you have to believe in yourself.

I’m not too concerned about what other people think,” he says.

Mike became a hairdresser by chance – a keen sportsman, he worked for Slazenger, but restructuring in the company meant prospects didn’t look good. His flatmate was a hairdresser who enjoyed his work and Hamel was intrigued.

“I was meant to go overseas and play cricket for a year, but I knew I wouldn’t be coming back with anything. I stopped working at Slazenger and enrolled in the David Bradford Hairdressing College - my friends and family were horrified.”

all about you, that’s “It’swhere the magic is. ”

The big move After successfully graduating from hairdressing college and having a flair for it, Mike and his wife Glynis who trained as a graphic artist prior to her hairdressing training through Vidal Sassoon London, then went onto open Ginger Meggs.

He says the name came from a hugely popular Australian cartoon character with red hair and Fergie - the Duchess of York who had just hit the scene, so ginger was the hottest colour.

The salon opened in Merivale in 1986 before moving to the Contemporary Lounge in 2007- it was a trendy addition to the long established Ballantynes department store.

However, Ginger Meggs moved for a third time, which was not by choice.

The salon is now relocated in Avonhead on Withells Road after the February earthquake closed the CBD. “We are hopefully returning to the CBD’s Contemporary Lounge in August

- Mike & Glynis Hamel

keeping both salons and we are still looking to open up another site in Christchurch and Queenstown,” Mike says.

The earthquake may have changed the city dramatically but Mike and Glynis are staying put. They reopened the business supporting Christchurch, their staff and their loyal clients.

The couple has around 65 years experience of hairdressing between them - they could have easily taken their hairdressing skills to Auckland, Wellington, or Sydney but for family and lifestyle reasons they opted to remain in Christchurch. It remains one of couple’s

0800 KUSTOM | www.kustomelectrical.co.nz New Installations, Industrial, Commercial, Domestic, Heat Pumps, Security, Data, Test & Tag. Adam & the team at Kustom Electrical After the Feb earthquake we had 5 days to gut the building and totally re wire including a new power box. Being a hair saloon we required specialised lighting and Adam also sorted this out for us brilliantly, while achieving the rewire. We couldn’t fault them, a great bunch of guys. Their work was professional, slick & creative.

Magnificent, thanks Adam Cheers, Mike Hamel Ginger Meggs Hair designers Christchurch

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30 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

favourtie cities. “Where else can you drive 15 minutes away from the city to go surfing or an hour to go skiing – there are not many places you can do that,” he says.

Mike puts in three 12-hour days a week at the new salon in Avonhead. “The salon has around 65-100 clients a day. Customers range from sports stars to grandmothers.

Loyal clients fly in from Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Sydney, Melbourne, and even further a field such as New York and Germany.

They make appointments to coincide with business trips and holidays,” he says.

Focus | Ginger Meggs Hair Salon

Salon in the suburbs

All about you

Mike and Glynis and their staff have created a city atmosphere in a suburban area. “Moving to a suburban area had its challenges travelling times increased, certain roads were closed after the earthquake, plus the quiet area was so strange after coming from the busy city centre.”

The new salon’s atmosphere is organic, says Hamel. “It’s all about the hair here and of course you - the client. My team has a great deal of experience between them which is a very important aspect to Ginger Meggs.”

Mike feels it’s the hair that creates a look and highlights people’s features. “Ginger Meggs is about educating people about their hair and how to wear it. All hairstyles should be transient, having a different style for daytime, evening and the weekend.

Mike and Glynis and their 18 staff members have adjusted into their suburban lifestyle and the free parking. “One of the great aspects to the new salon is the free parking and there lots of it! The neighbours are happy as our salon atmosphere does not affect them. They have embraced us and welcomed us to the area.

“Every hair type should have about two to three ways to style it. We don’t just follow fashions- it’s about what suits the customer.

Everyone is beautiful – we just make it obvious. We want your hair to have pop as a haircut controls your personality.

“We have also found the fact that the salon is single storey and has two entrances was a benefit and safety factor given what has happened over the last year.”

“

We want your hair to have pop – as a haircut controls your personality - Mike & Glynis Hamel

”

The new salon’s interior has a modern yet classical feel with antique features, creating an emporium feel to Ginger Meggs. The lighting is subtle and the walls are white, but filled with mirrors, artwork and quirky bits and bobs.

“It’s not the kind of salon you would see in the suburbs – we have created our own Contemporary Lounge here in Avonhead,” he says.

Ginger Meggs not only cuthair but also sells products such as clothes, homeware and hair products all washed down with a fantastic cup of coffee. Products include designers such as Cheap Monday Jeans, Bassike and Seletti. Asides from Hamel’s own hair care products he also uses hair products by Tigi, Schwarzkopf, Pureology and X3 curling wands.

Since the move Mike and Glynis are overwhelmed with the support from clients, old and new. “It’s been unbelievable, we all knew Ginger Meggs had a powerful name but the support has been on-going and we are truly grateful.”

“It’s all about you, that’s where the magic is.”

Mike’s hair care

< Mike Hamel

The downside of hairdressing, as Mike can tell you, is exposure to a lot of nasty chemicals.

From this he launched a range of hair-care products developed in conjunction with local biotechnology company Keratec Ltd.

Hours Monday 9-6 Tuesday-Thursday 9-8 Friday 9-6 Saturday 9-5

Mike contacted the company after hearing about its pioneering work in extracting keratin proteins from sheep’s wool without reducing their potency. The aim was to have different formulas to suit different ethnic hair types and climatic conditions.

The product line is all-natural, with no silicones or harmful chemicals. “Its also one of very few that protects hair from New Zealand’s ozone layer problems,” he says.

Customer feedback suggests skin and hair problems can clear up after using Mike & Glynis’s shampoos, conditioners and styling products.

The product labeled ‘Mike – I love my hair now’ is available at Ginger Meggs. “We are currently in the process of going hlobal with Mike Haircare under a re-brand “New Way” (I love my hair now – silicone, sulfate & paraben free).

Ginger Meggs 76 Withells Road Avonhead Christchurch T (03) 3423 089 or (03) 3425 672 — Advertising Feature

“People do respond to the fact that it’s got my name on it –everyone likes to go ‘I know that person’-but the biggest reason people are getting it is because it is natural and it actually works. The problem with half of the products out there is that they don’t do what they claim, and the public is getting smart and not believing everything they read.”

“ Delivering a cut above – Just like Ginger Meggs ” 0800 081 443 Ph: 03 366 7536 Fax: 03 379 5395 E: enquiries@abbott.co.nz We take personal pride in what we do. We do risk management, and we do it well.

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 31

Focus | Body Business

yourself Imagine relaxing in comfort at a private setting, listening to soothing music, while your therapist works her magic.

Body Business located in Waimari Beach provides all this and more.

Offering a wide range of beauty treatments at prices everyone can afford, with no compromise in standards or service, it specialises in professional treatments that make you look good and feel great.

Body Business is a beauty clinic run from a home environment. The private setting offers a professional and tranquil atmosphere. It includes a reception area, nail bar, spray tanning area and two treatment rooms.

Owner Emily Rainsbury has been working in the industry for over a decade, along with being a professional make-up artist specialising in weddings for more than 12 years.

“My beauty career started when I became very interested in the creative world of makeup. I started doing bridal parties, formals and teaching workshops from home. From there clients started requesting services such as facials and massages, so my thirst for knowledge and my desire to do more for my clients led me towards becoming a beauty therapist,” Emily says.

She went on to buy Body Business in November 2003 and successfully extended the salon to three locations around Christchurch. Other opportunities such as pampering conferences, fashion shows, photo

shoots and commercial work extended the services available at Body Business.

A new venture Unfortunately the February earthquake damaged the central city clinics, which had to close. Emily has not let this stop her and she has now relocated the business to Northshore.

She is now offering the same services she had at her previous clinics. The pre-earthquake mobile beauty service is also still available on a monthly basis within the Canterbury areas of Hawarden and Coleridge.

In addition to treating clients within the home clinic environment, she runs various workshops, seminars and has been teaching the STAR beauty courses at the Christchurch Academy.

Any spare time Emily has is happily consumed with her two daughters Elita and Charlesse.

Not to mention of course her husband Paul who just so happens to be the clinics DIY man for love not money (of course).

Body Business Beauty Therapy Emily strives for more than just a temporary ‘feel good’ result. She endeavours to create nothing less than a transformation in your skin, which requires regular and consistent professional clinic treatments and commitment to maintenance at home.

hour out of your week to say ‘thank you’ to yourself and enjoy doing something for you.”

Treatments include facial treatments, spa body therapy, therapeutic relaxation massage, With Valentines Day Emily decided to get a little creative by offering women a ‘dare to waxing, tinting, manicures and pedicures, professional makeovers and spray on tanning. bare’ challenge, which involved a Brazilian wax for just $40.

“The preferred brand of skincare product for both face and body is Dermalogica- I “In the future I hope to rebuild Body offer Dermalogica loyalty programmes Business to what it was before the February with purchase promotions at various times earthquake – only better.” throughout the year,” Emily says.

Now a mother of two gorgeous girls - they She also recommends her ‘time out’ come first. So when the time is right and treatments to all her clients. “These the opportunity knocks then who knows? “If treatments help both men and women I wasn’t in the beauty industry I would be unwind, relax and enjoy just having some extremely bored. I love what I do – I get a real ‘you’ time. Too often we put our needs last buzz from being able to see and look after as we run around for everyone else. “Enjoy a massage or facial treatment – just take half an my clients.”

Book online Booking your appointment at Body Business Beauty Therapy could not be more simple. You can either phone or book online.

Log on to www.bodybiz.co.nz and complete the form online. Emily will then schedule an appointment based on your requirements.

As soon as she has located the perfect appointment for you, she will send you an email or call you to let you know the appointment details.

Emily’s qualifications Diploma in Beauty Therapy - Honours Pass Diploma of Marketing Certificate in Business Management Certificate in Sports Massage Certificate in Makeup Artistry and Character Makeup.

providing accounting & business monitoring solutions

Sharpen up with Xero for 2012 The world’s easiest accounting system

Pleased to be associated with Body Business

Body Business – Northshore 37 Eastwood Rise Waimairi Beach, Northshore Christchurch T (03) 382 2510 or 021 681177 E: emily@bodybiz.co..nz www.bodybiz.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Equation - Winner of the Xero 2010 Kowledge Award Contact Equation today p: 03 384 0694 m: 027 286 6588 f: 03 384 0691 e: equation1@xtra.co.nz

32 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Call Andrew Brydon P: 982 5282 | M: 021 327 587 E: andrew@mfp.co.nz

W: www.mfp.co.nz

Servicing | Installation Maintenance

Phone (03) 365 7077 sparky@melray.co.nz www.melray.co.nz

Focus | Health & Wellness

Mind

&body

We live in a fast-paced society where often we work, and work, and then work some more, never stopping to look after our minds and bodies. But there are ways we can relax, unwind and get help.

DP Herbals

live blood screening, helping to detect any changes in your blood parameters so specific DP Herbals helps individuals and organisations measures can be taken. to improve their current health status and This means that you can physically monitor maintain wellbeing. Research has shown your “wellness” rather than be “disease that leading causes of illness are preventable focused”. This is not a diagnostic tool, and account for approximately 70 percent of healthcare costs annually. This figure is rising. however, it will indicate areas of concern and health limiting parameters such as: These illnesses can be linked to tobacco • Inflammation use, high-stress levels, poor sleeping habits, • Oxidative Stress sedentary lifestyles and poor nutritional habits. As a registered nurse and clinically • Reduced Nutritional Status trained herbalist Deirdre Panapa of DP Herbals • Poor Liver Function will happily navigate the individual through • Reduced Digestive Integrity. any conventional medical concerns (translate if necessary!) and fully support the individual DP Herbals to achieve their health objectives.

45 Albert Tce Education is key and DP Herbals can give St Martins talks on nutrition, stress management, good Christchurch 8022 health practices to employees within your T (03) 960 6282 organisation either individually or as group.

E dp.herbals@paradise.co.nz www.dpherbals.com DP Herbals’ philosophy is a belief that much can be achieved through diet, lifestyle and regular exercise. Good health can be maintained in this way but too often many people will need to supplement with good quality vitamins, minerals or herbs when required.

Individualised treatment plans are created by Panapa after a detailed and comprehensive health history is taken. This can also include all or some of the following:

Petersgate Counselling Centre

• Baseline recordings such as blood pressure, pulse, blood glucose and weight

The Petersgate Counselling Centre provides affordable, professional counselling for those dealing with trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, stress, relationship/family issues, anger management and personal growth.

Counselling is provided by its team of welltrained, caring counsellors who see clients on the basis of need not the ability to pay.

Petersgate’s sliding scale of fees means that counselling is affordable for everyone regardless of income.

Petersgate works with doctors and other health agencies in the community to support the wellbeing of all Christchurch and Canterbury people. It receives more than a third of its client referrals from general practitioners.

“We provide our clients with the skills to better cope with the issues in their lives in a non-judgemental, supportive way and the feedback we receive from our clients confirms the assistance they receive makes a positive difference,” manager Denis Warren says.

“By gaining better coping skills our clients are empowered to lead more fulfilling lives and are given the confidence to participate more fully in their communities.

“If you are finding life rather difficult at present please give us a call. We are here to help.”

Petersgate Counselling 29 Yaldhurst Road Upper Riccarton Christchurch 8042 T (03) 343 3391 E director@petersgate.co.nz www.petersgate.org.nz

• Top to toe physical assessment • If necessary, diagnostic blood tests will be ordered

Touch for Health “The quakes have put many people into adrenal overload, they have been frightened, their confidence has taken a beating and the adults now have to fight for what they believe is a fair deal. All these situations stress the body and create imbalances as well as lowering self confidence. What starts as an emotional overload can develop into physical symptoms of stress, or in children behavioural issues.”

• Allergy screening panel • Hemaview.

Based on the science of haematology, Hemaview has been used by qualified health practitioners for more than 20 years.

Hemaview is an exciting tool which involves

That’s what Christchurch educator Tessa Grigg believes, but she has a technique that helps. She uses kinesiology to help people regain their internal balance, improve their confidence and release excess stress.

Kinesi means ‘movement of the human body’ and ‘ology’ means ‘the science of’. Touch For Health Kinesiology uses movement of the human body to create greater balance within the body.

Each ‘balance’ (as the sessions are commonly called) is tailor made for the body/person with individualised goals established by the person themselves. It is a very gentle process that can have excellent results. Developed

by John Thie in the 1970s, Touch For Health is taught worldwide, and practised by Tessa Grigg in Christchurch.

Touch for Health T (03) 342 8881 E tessa@tessarose.co.nz

Tessa G Are you looking to create a more balanced life?

Counselling is a working relationship that helps you explore & manage what is happening in your life.

Read about Tessa and Kinesiology at naturaltherapypages.co.nz

The counsellor's role is to assist you in ways that respect your: • Values • Culture • Personal Resources • Capacity for change

Email: tessag@ihug.co.nz Tel: 03 358 2288 Registered Kinesiologist

Ph: 03 343 3391 | Fax: 03 343 2934 E: director@petersgate.org.nz 29 Yaldhurst Road, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 33

“There’s a Better Way” For Sure Accounts Online is a business that has an innate sense of professional and personal ethic. With more than 30 years experience in the accountancy market, the company for the past 12 years has enjoyed the privilege of working with owners and boards from more than 300 different industry groups throughout New Zealand and Australia, sharing with them many of the benefits the company has learned along this journey.

What started out as a simple weekly game of basketball motivated two young men to sever their gang ties then encouraged other locals to make positive changes in their lives. It started with a community constable – Constable Glen Green - who was committed to breaking down the barriers between the police and local youth in Mount Roskill, Auckland.

With skills that complement the work of traditional tax accountants (the company insists its clients engage the services of a top tax accountant) Accounts Online specifically targets systems and processes ensuring its client’s systems are highly tuned, so their tax accountant can make efficient use of their information.

Befriending the youth though their weekly games, Constable Green encouraged Malcolm to think about his goals and ambitions and he asked Malcolm if there was anything he would like to do that he hadn’t been able to.

Constable Green had a simple plan to reach out to the local boys and what blossomed into a strong, positive relationship started with a simple game of basketball. Through this initiative, Constable Green met Malcolm (*wishes to keep last name private*), an unemployed 19-year-old who was constantly in trouble with the law.

Malcolm said his dream was to be a fireman and he had never been fishing – something he really wanted to do. To help Malcolm on the road to fulfilling his potential, Constable Green then approached the local fire station who agreed to take him on an initial two-hour training session. On Malcolm’s first training experience Constable Green says, “He loved getting into the gear and the action.”

As trained accountants, Accounts Online empathises with, and assists, business owners who often see their hard earned profits evaporating due to overheads. The business is committed to helping its client become educated so they can appreciate the importance of preparing early for the day when Constable Green then mentioned Malcolm and they may need to sell their business. his friends to his own father, Gordon Green, Beyond its professional expertise, the other who agreed to take the boys fishing to help side of Accounts Online has even more of them achieve this dream. Constable Green and a personal touch because the business puts Gordon Green gave from their own pockets, time and energy into assisting community and that weekend away in Thames changed focused projects like its “Buddy a Business lives, which in turn set up a platform to reach in Christchurch” initiative New Zealand. www.buddyabusiness.co.nz “The only way we are going to have an More recently, Account Online’s hand has gone impact in stopping the growth of the youth out to assist a new programme called “There’s gang culture in New Zealand is by helping out with our combined resources. It is time for a Better Way” to help at risk youth and those change,” Constable Green says. He believes in that have already stepped beyond the law.

the people of New Zealand, and as a young troubled youth he was able to turn his life around and become a police officer.

While in the Police Force, Constable Green came to appreciate the importance of having a good team around him.

“There’s a Better Way” is about everyone stepping up and playing their part and local business have wanted to help and so the doors are beginning to open. Companies like Gilmours and Cemix have taken young people on, which has proven to be a solid step in the right direction, providing the participating youths with some purpose and direction.

From small beginnings in a park with a group of young men and women struggling with peer pressure and the feelings of being on the wrong side of the community, Constable Green sees the need for “Better Ways” to manage his growing organisation.

Glen has been quick to appreciate that if his dream of helping “youth at risk” is going to be Fred Tanuvasa, another gang member who successful that he will need the best support went on the same fishing trip, says the trip changed his life. “It’s made a big impact on my services he can get around him. Accounts Online was recommended to Glen because of life. It’s made me a better person, husband, the help it has given businesses and not-forbrother and father. It was a time in my life when I needed to do it - not only for my family, profit organisations throughout New Zealand but for myself and the community. It’s where and Australia. my heart is now.”

If your business or organisation would like Like Malcolm, Tanuvasa has also given up his to consider “A Better Way” to manage and gang affiliations and is now mentoring other control your organisation’s finances and local youngsters. “I know how many of the budgets, please request a FREE copy of “3 x other youths feel and it was for this reason that Time Saving Strategies that Many Accountants I decided to join Constable Green’s programme. do not want YOU to know.”

Tanuvasa says the media are quick to put “There is a Better Way” is creating an young ones down and he now wants to help environment for less drugs, alcohol, violence, promote the positive side of youth culture. crime and graffiti in communities. If you would His involvement in “There’s a Better Way” has like to help create more positive stories like been helping to break down barriers between the ones above with any form of support or the locals and the police and he says it feels assistance please send your contact details in good to be judged for the person he is instead the first instance to of as an ex-gang member. info@accountsonline.co.nz The success of Constable Green’s programme has led him to work with the Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) and Basketball New Zealand to roll out ‘3on3’ Accounts Online Ltd youth basketball throughout New Zealand.

PO Box 83-104 Bartercard New Zealand also sponsors the initiative providing services and support.

Johnsonville Because of the added responsibility and workload Constable Green has decided to leave the New Zealand Police Force and put his whole heart and energy into the “There’s a Better Way” programme.

Wellington 6640 T 0800 222 268 or (04) 499 9035 E info@accountsonline.co.nz www.accountsonline.co.nz www.buddyabusiness.co.nz

Accounts Online Stress Free Accounting www.accountsonline.co.nz | www.cred-it.co.nz | www.buddyabusiness.co.nz 34 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Focus | SB Signs

Does your sign stand out from the crowd?

If you’re looking for signage and design to take your company to the next level, then Christchurch business SB Signs can help. From light boxes to vehicle graphics, 3D letters and LED products - SB Signs covers all your signage needs.

“The whole process from concept

SB Signs is a family owned business proud of the standard of work and professionalism it provides to its clients. With a specialist project management team SB Signs is extremely well equipped to manage and oversee large projects and roll outs all around New Zealand.

Director Faith Harrison says their hearts go out to all those affected by the recent earthquakes. “Last year was a difficult year for Christchurch businesses and families; everyone in Christchurch has been affected in some way.

Using state of the art technology and quality products SB Signs embraces every aspect of the sign industry. Its custom signs will attract attention to your company and products creating maximum exposure in your marketplace.

“We are up and running at Gasson Street in Sydenham and want to do everything we can do to help in the re-branding of Christchurch.

We want to see this beautiful city of ours come back better and stronger, we want to do everything we can to make that happen.”

SB Signs general manager Kerry McRoberts says the business has a passionate team of sign professionals. “The production team has 60 years of combined experience between them. We want to make your business look good and we want you to succeed.

SB Signs graphic design team will focus on your company image and message to create signages that ensure you get results out of your budget. It has an experienced team of installers and fabricators who pride themselves on installing your signage with minimum fuss and inconvenience.

discuss my requirements and measure up.

Services include:

The price was significantly lower than

• Full Corporate Branding

other quotes I had. I am very pleased with

• Graphic Design

the results and will certainly be using

• Vehicles and Buildings

them for future work-I have even received

• 3D Routered Signage

follow up calls to check I was happy with

• Large Format printing

the job.” – Terraquip NZ LTD

“We take pride in our work and only let the highest standards out our door. Our creative team constantly tries new things with new materials to expand the options available to you and make your signage stand out.

“Whether we use brush and paint, cut vinyl or full digital print, we can transform your new or existing building into the biggest eye catching, revenue increasing, self promotional tool you could ever invest in.

“A building with great signage can quickly become an iconic landmark. Sit back and enjoy your sales increase when your neighbors are giving directions to their building as being next to yours.”

• Traditional and Digital • Promotional and Display • Installation.

SB Signs is passionate about delivering your business with a great quality product and quality service.

discussions, pricing through to installation went very smoothly. We are very pleased with the end result and would recommend SB Signs.” - Mainland Paints “Kerry and the team at SB Signs have been great. After being recommended by another one of their customers, I made contact and they visited my premises to The team has done shop signage and also vehicle sign writing for me.

The sign and vehicle signage quality was brilliant and turn around time was quick.

SB Signs 96 Gasson Street Sydenham Christchurch New Zealand T (03) 377 0597 www.sbsigns.co.nz

we keep you moving Shane Thompson For all your mechanical repairs and servicing

Pleased to be associated with SB Signs

Phone 03 366 2985 Fax 03 366 9283 37-39 Buchan Street Sydenham, Christchurch motorvation1@xtra.co.nz

Lane Neave is a full service law firm dedicated to ensuring our clients obtain the best possible results by providing services and advice of real value.

Proud to support SB Signs Limited

For corporate, securities, commercial transactions and contractual advice, contact Claire Evans or Vanessa Brierley

www.laneneave.co.nz

Claire Evans, Associate T: 03 379 3720 DD: 03 377 6784 M: 021 288 2298 claire.evans@laneneave.co.nz

Vanessa Brierley, Solicitor T: 03 379 3720 DD: 03 377 6392 vanessa.brierley@laneneave.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 35

Focus | At A Glance

Take control of your credit Does the prospect of never having to ask a client to pay their bill again appeal to you? <

Stella Nicholson

Like many small to medium sized businesses, you probably struggle to find the time or resources to follow-up slow paying customers.

And the fact is, most of us don’t like asking customers for payment. This is often because you don’t want to upset and maybe risk losing the customer.

So why not save yourself the time, stress and perhaps the odd customer, by using qualified, experienced experts to do the job in a professional and sensitive way? This is where a professional debtor management service such as Be Paid Limited can be more than a little help.

Be Paid’s Stella Nicholson says clients receive prompt, personal, customised solutions for debtor issues. “We are not a debt collection agency. We aim to eliminate the need for costly debt collection by encouraging effective and efficient processes and early and regular contact with customers.

“The difference between our outsourced, professional credit control method and others is that we pride ourselves on building and maintaining customer relationships. We use a velvet glove rather than iron fist!”

“We have helped improve cashflow for law firms, property valuers, panel beaters, fashion designers, media, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers, accountants, printing firms, electricians, plumbers and mechanics.”

Fees are based on the average number of debtors you bill per month and have no relationship to the dollar value of your billing.

You will know from the outset what your set monthly fee will be. Included in the fee will be a small amount to allow for the stationery, postage, toll and cellphone costs that we now incur and have removed from your office expenses. Although there is a written agreement as to what you can expect and what we expect in return, there is no contract and you can end our relationship at any time.

Another area where Be Paid can be a big help is with invoicing. Often invoicing is left to evenings and weekends, or whenever you have time, which means invoices go out late resulting in late payment. Your time would be better spent on the work that earns you money.

And the bottom line is, if you don’t get your invoices out on time, chances are you won’t

be paid on time! So if you are always behind on your invoices or you are tired of manually writing them out, Be Paid can professionally process invoices on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis.

This service is of most assistance to self-employed trades people and small businesses who never have enough time and don’t have access to a computer or the necessary software to do this essential task automatically. The company also carries out credit checks on prospective customers.

The short journey between Wellington and Picton across Cook Strait on the Interislander ferries can be a spectacular cruise. But now the three hour 20 minute trip has been made more enjoyable with the extension and refurbishment of Interislander’s Aratere ferry.

As part of a scheduled dry-dock maintenance, Aratere was “stretched” with a pre-fabricated 30-metre long mid-body inserted. The ship also had a new bow and engines installed and its interior refurbished.

“Demand is growing, particularly as KiwiRail focuses on improving freight services between Auckland and Christchurch, and extra capacity was needed urgently.”

Last April, Interislander, the business unit of KiwiRail that operates ferries across

Interislander general manager Thomas Davis says the Interislander provides an essential service, linking New Zealand’s North and South Island. The three ferries – Kaitaki, Aratere and Arahura - move 800,000 passengers, 210,000 cars, 62,400 trucks, and 54,000 rail wagons across Cook Strait each year.

The fastest and most efficient way to get that is by “stretching” the Aratere, he says. The project boosts the ship’s passenger-carrying

36 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

“We act like staff but without the payroll costs. Your customers won’t even know we are involved unless you want them to.”

But arguably the most valuable benefit is the preservation of customer relationships. “We take any flack and we try not to upset your customers and this means they are more likely to keep buying from you.”

Why outsource?

It takes a difficult, sensitive and time consuming task and places it in expert hands.

You don’t have to do it and neither do your

Be Paid T (03) 453 5989 www.bepaid.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

• Reduce collection costs • Improve cash flow • Have more time • Be in control.

“Never ask a customer for money - ever again” 0800 2 BE PAID (0800 223 724) | www.bepaid.co.nz | info@bepaid.co.nz

Aratere’s stretch an engineering marvel Cook Strait, sent its busiest ship, Aratere, to Singapore to be lengthened to carry extra passengers and freight and to get a new bow to improve the ship’s performance.

staff, allowing you to focus on what you do best. This frees up resources for other purposes so you can concentrate on doing what you do – running your company.

blocks – each heavier than two men can lift – even the pin is too heavy to be lifted.

Then the ship was reconnected, including putting back together the more than 6500 pipes and electrical connections.

At the same time, other parts of Aratere were changed too – a new bow was put on, so that the ship can handle rough weather better and a new stern profile was added, to reduce wake energy. ability by 100 percent and its freight capacity by about 30 percent.

The ship extension took a huge effort, from the planning in New Zealand to the actual delivery in Singapore. A large team of workers toiled on the ship – at times, there were a thousand workers on board, working in sweltering hot conditions.

The project was the equivalent of cutting an eight storey, 150 metre-long building in half – and then moving the parts 35 metres apart using support pads greased with baking spray.

The new mid-body was lifted into placed, using a marine barge and several tackle

The interior was also transformed, and new facilities – such as the premier Aratere-Plus lounge and driver’s cabins – installed.

The “stretch” of Aratere enables Interislander to continue to offer top-notch service on Cook Strait sailings, and the crew of all three ships – Aratere, Kaitaki, and Arahura – look forward to making your next journey with them an exceptional experience.

Interislander T 0800 802 802 E info@interislander.co.nz www.interislander.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Focus | Akaora

Awesome Akaroa Sun, sand, shopping, sailing - are your bags packed yet?

Located a short 75 kilometres from Christchurch, Akaroa, New Zealand is a holiday paradise. A charming village originally settled by the French and British, Akaroa is one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets.

Rich in colonial history as well as recreational and sightseeing opportunities, Akaroa offers a full range of holiday activities for adults and children alike.

Akaroa’s harbour beaches are nothing short of spectacular. Protected by jagged volcanic cliffs, the village sits alongside the harbour edge. Banks Peninsula is home to a staggering number of coves and bays as well as two deep water harbours.

Swimmers, sailors, sunbathers, hikers and sightseers will find this geologically unique and dramatic area to be a worthwhile destination for a multi-day trip.

If boating is your fancy, Akaroa offers several opportunities.

You can rent a kayak and explore the bays under your own power, or you can hop on a jet boat for a more high-powered day on the water. Sailboat cruises, fishing trips and dive charters complete your choices for a day on the water.

There are plenty of activities on offer to make you stay longer. A visit to the www.akaroa. com will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your visit to Akaroa.

Today, visitors enjoy harbour cruises to see Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, little blue penguins and a myriad of bird life, or visit the white-flippered penguin colony.

Splendid scenery and a wide variety of activities will make you glad you chose Akaroa for your holiday plans.

Cafes open onto the streets and harbour promenades, and boutique art and craft shops and galleries show off superb local works.

Specialist shops offer a tempting variety of goods and those who enjoy walking will find charming lanes, colonial architecture and stunning views.

Akaroa Information Centre 80 Rue Lavaud Akaroa 7520 T/F (03) 304 8600 E akaroa@christchurchnz.com www.akaroa.com

• Four self contained units that are serviced daily.

• Fully licensed Akaroa Restaurant and Bar serving lunch, and dinner.

• Wonderful indoor or outdoor dining.

• During winter special rates apply & a warm open fire.

• Excellent off street parking.

• L’hotel boutique accommodation offer a range of options for private and corporate functions, day conference meetings and intimate weddings in Akaroa.

• A warm welcome assured.

• 11am - 11pm Summer 11am - Close in Winter

L’hotel Le Restaurant Le bar 75 Beach Road, Akaroa View map Phone 03 304 7842 Email info@lhotel.co.nz

www.lhotel.co.nz

Boutique

Hotel

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 37

Focus | Kirk Roberts Consulting

Delivering structural solutions No matter what its niche, a business is the sum of its many parts. Each staff member is equally responsible for the reputation of that entity, and, as history has taught the movers and shakers of the commercial landscape, in business, reputation is everything.

Having a good reputation is a game of two halves – earning it, and keeping it. A good business owner and manager knows you can’t buy a good reputation; you can’t borrow it, feign it, and you certainly can’t take it for granted, even when you’re on top of your game.

A good reputation in business is earned through persistence, maintaining high standards and being the best at what you do - just ask Kirk Roberts Consulting Engineering, a business that has got these professional qualities and traits in buckets.

The business is a new age engineering consultancy firm specialising in innovative, leading-edge structural, geotechnical, fire and civil engineering designs in residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructural projects of all scales.

A division of Contract Holdings Ltd

RESIDENTIAL

Multi-skilled

INTERIORS

Kirk Roberts Consulting has a high degree of experience and technical expertise which places the company at the leading edge of engineering design in New Zealand. The business, which is well respected by its clients all throughout New Zealand, takes pride in maintaining a high degree of professionalism and integrity while dealing with clients on a personal level.

Pleased to offer our support and services to Kirk Roberts Consulting Engineers

t. 03 379 6277 | f. 03 379 8499

e. admin@contract-construction.co.nz 28 Buchan St, PO Box 641, Christchurch

www.contract-construction.co.nz

“Kirk Robert Consulting Engineering was established to provide the Canterbury and New Zealand market with a company that was more technically advanced when it comes structural and geotechnical work. Very few companies locally and nationally fall into this category so there was a shortfall of services in this area until our entry into the industry.

Steven Roberts’s business partner manages the Geotechnical department of Kirk Roberts.

“I did know the future would be bright for the business. We actually grew during the recession and, in fact, doubled our size. This came down to good customer service and the In 2011, the business remains committed to its fact that we are more technically advanced goal of being a strong and highly competitive than our competitors in many areas. We understand the interaction and relationship professional player and will continue to live between structural and geotechnical when by its three E’s – Experience, Efficiency and Enthusiasm. others don’t.”

COMMERCIAL

MAINTENANCE

development elements of the business.

Kirk says the business grew from humble beginnings, but he knew it was destined to be successful.

Founding director Jade Kirk oversees the company and is also heavily involved with the design, technical and commercial

STRUCTURAL, GEOTECHNICAL, CIVIL, FIRE

Kirk says he started the business at his home, which is a far cry from today’s expansive operation. Kirk Roberts Consulting Engineering is now based out of two offices - Tauranga and Christchurch, and the company takes on projects all throughout New Zealand.

With approximately 26 staff working across structural, geotechnical, civil, fire and engineering divisions, Kirk Roberts Consulting Engineering has gone from strength to strength since inception and continues to embody the qualities of enthusiasm, quality of design and efficiency to provide a consistently high level of service to its clients.

KIRK ROBERTS C O N S U LT I N G

ENGINEERS

301E Blenheim Road, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch | PO Box 35320, Christchurch 8640 | T +64 3 379 8600 38 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Focus | Kirk Roberts Consulting

Passionate about engineering, the staff thrive on complicated designs, problem solving, finding effective structural systems and using innovative design methods to meet the needs of the client and architect.

“The acquisition of computer software and modelling software is also at the forefront of our business,” Kirk adds of the business’ technological roots.

Kirk Roberts Consulting Engineering is currently designing the first Post Tensioned LVE (Laminated Veneer Lumber) Timber multi-storeyed framed building in Christchurch and is working closely with the University of Canterbury in developing the technology including energy dissipation devices which can be replaced after a major seismic event.

A strong player Kirk Roberts Consulting Engineering prides itself on developing strong client relationships by working with its clients to ensure that all design requirements are met. The business continually assesses the feasibility of each design option and considers the relative cost of each design option to establish the best outcome for the project.

On every project they undertake, no matter how big or small, the team at Kirk Roberts Consulting is committed to understanding the fundamentals of its clients’ needs. As a vital part of the project team, the dedicated staff combine experience and technology to deliver resourceful solutions while respecting budgets and schedules.

Committed to a sustainable future, the firm and its engineers have experience and expertise in the use of a wide range of materials including concrete, steel and timber. Kirk Roberts Consulting Engineers is able to offer clear advice on various structural forms - their sustainability, environmental effects, cost effectiveness, design efficiencies, durability, quality, insulation and thermal efficiencies to ensure the clients’ vision is met.

Kirk Roberts Engineers has been heavily involved in the development of new building systems and work with companies to develop new products through research and development. It has strong relationships with the universities, certification and testing agencies and understands the Department

of Building and Housings (DBH) legislation requirements.

Needless to say, with its structural and geotechnical expertise, Kirk Roberts Consulting will play a vital role in Canterbury’s recovery following the devastating earthquakes. It has experience in the analysis and design of foundations for various ground conditions, as well as designs for land subdivisions.

The business knows ‘structural engineering is as much about the art of construction as it is about the creation of solutions for structural problems.’

Kirk also has valuable advice for all involved in the rebuild. “As a consulting engineer I can only ask that the public ask the questions to ensure their buildings are designed correctly.

Listen to your engineer and ensure that a building’s design or foundations are not compromised.

“The future is bright now we have the opportunity create more advanced buildings, but it is a team effort and requires the awareness of architects and designers, developers, council and the public.”

With many significant achievements already under its business belt, Kirk says the business is proud that it has been able to retain its competitive edge. “For us our biggest success is the fact that we are young and we are now one of the strongest players in the market.

“

I did know the future would be bright for the business. We actually grew during the recession and, in fact, doubled our size. This came down to good customer service and the fact that we are more technically advanced than our competitors in many areas. We understand the interaction and relationship between structural and geotechnical when others don’t. - Jade Kirk

”

“We’re at a size where we can deal with the smallest of jobs, as well as the major commercial contracts for the government and education sector. We also do geotechnical subdivisions assessments. We have the ability to secure both markets and we can talk with clients on a personal level to understand their wants and requirements.

“Our size means we can commercially invest in technical growth and our budget is much higher than other companies for this due to our size. This technical investment is hopefully where future growth will come from. We also want to continue working on large scale buildings.”

One thing is for sure – Kirk Roberts Consulting Engineering will continue to thrive on complicated projects and will continue to promote its philosophy ‘Go on, challenge us.’

Kirk Roberts Consulting Engineering PO Box 35320 Christchurch 8640 T (03) 379 8600 E jadek@kirkroberts.co.nz www.kirkroberts.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 39

Attention pet lovers did you know?

What you feed your cat or dog directly affects how long they live and the quality of their life. Not all foods are created equal. There is only one way to establish what you’re really feeding your pet...read the ingredients!

If you would like to discuss anything we’ve mentioned or would like to get sent some info and testimonials please give us a call, or go to our website to see the dozens of raving testimonials available. In fact a large number of clients are breeders, which is testament in itself, as these people take feeding their pets (their business), very seriously. These people normally spend a lot of time researching all options available and we’re pleased to say, they’re massive fans of our product.

In today’s competitive pet food industry, it’s hard to believe what may go into your pet food. Many companies (owned by multi-national corporations) have extensive marketing budgets, that portray a healthy pet jumping around, all thanks to their fantastic pet food. However, they seldom talk about ingredients. And to be frank, that is the most important element, followed closely by taste.

Because let’s face it, if your pet doesn’t like the taste, they simply won’t eat it.

(Unless it’s a Labrador....)

Here’s the most important bit.

The ingredients I’m not going to tell you how happy your pet will be or how high they will jump by using our pet food.

I’m simply going to give you a quick lesson about ingredients and what to look for and what to avoid.

The way ingredients are listed on packaging is the order that they are according to the percentage of food, so the first ingredient listed is the primary ingredient and so on down the list.

Some list “by-products” as the first ingredient, usually chicken or beef. Now this doesn’t have to be a bad thing. One of the many problems with byproducts is what can go into the mix. So for cows this can mean bones, hooves, hides, hair, intestines, or with poultry by-products it can mean feet, beaks, feathers, bones, intestines, as well as the small trimmings that are left behind after they have been boned out for human consumption.

is that your animal’s stools will smell a lot better when they are fed a high quality, natural, highly digestible food that doesn’t have rancid meats and fats in it.

Canidae lists chicken and turkey meal as their first ingredients. Chicken, turkey and lamb meals are dry and are less than 10% moisture and contain 50-65% meat proteins.

interesting fact!

By law, by-products don’t have to include any meat at all in order to be called chicken or beef by-products.

Products with by-products will of course look like any other pet food biscuit. The organic chemicals that make up the mush that remains will still register as amino acids and proteins etc, yet the fact is that a large percentage of it will be completely indigestible to your pet’s digestive system. This means your pet will be unable to harvest goodness for its body out of much of its food.

This results in two things. First, you will have to feed more of the product to your pet to satisfy its nutritional requirements. Second, there will be more “unharvested remains” left to be picked up off your lawns. One of the huge benefits of feeding your pet a food that uses high quality ingredients is that there is less stool volume, because the animal is able to digest more of it. Another notable benefit

Here are results from three independent studies: 1) The Confidential Dog Food Report analysed over 2,000 pet foods and came up with the best nine. Canidae was one of them. The following dog foods available in New Zealand weren’t on the list; Beneful, Eukanuba, Iams, Pedigree, Purina One, Purina Pro Plan, Purina Dog Chow and Science Diet.

2) Each year The Whole Dog Journal (arguably the best dog journal in the world), rates dog foods from around the world and creates an “approved list” which includes approximately 25 foods. For more than 5 years Canidae has featured. The following

40 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Canidae and Felidae contain 10 skin and coat conditioners with balanced Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty Acids: chicken fat, fish meal, flax seed, sunflower oil, lecithin, linoleic acid, rosemary, sage, vitamin E and biotin.

Please go to our website or give us a call for the full Declaration of Ingredients. Without a declaration of ingredients, how do you really know what’s going into your pet’s food?

Why haven’t you heard of us?

Simply because we’re relatively new into New Zealand.

We have hundreds of satisfied clients and this year we’ve doubled the number of clients from last year and this is literally growing daily. However, Canidae for dogs and Felidae for cats have been selling in America for many years and are consistently ranked in the top few by leading pet journals and publications including The Whole Dog Journal.

We also don’t have the marketing budget of the huge corporations. In fact we have relied heavily on word of mouth, which works well, but we are now starting to do print and radio.

dog foods available in New Zealand aren’t on the list; Beneful, Eukanuba, Iams, Pedigree, Purina One, Purina Pro Plan, Purina Dog Chow and Science Diet.

3) Petsumer Report also does an independent study and ranks pet food out of five, with five being the absolute best.

Here’s some of the results: Beneful 0 CANIDAE 4.2 Eukanuba 2.7 Iams 2.7 Pedigree 1 Purina One 1.9 Purina Pro Plan 2.1 Purina Dog Chow 1 Science Diet 1.5

Here is a quote that I recently read in The Whole Dog Journal, arguably the best independent dog journal in the world. “I’d like to quickly dismiss the idea that any of the giants – Iams and Eukanuba, Purina, Science Diet - could possibly make dry dog foods that are as good as the foods that have a regular presence on WDJ’s “approved foods” list, (such as Canidae). The fact is, though, of course they could; they have all the resources needed to do so. They could bury most of the competition in the “natural and holistic” niche...if they followed through and used only the same high-quality ingredients typically used by the smaller, boutique brands. But they generally stop short – perhaps because they are unaccustomed to paying a lot for their raw materials, or marketing the products at a correspondingly high sales price.” - Nancy Kerns Save you time and money As mentioned this is a premium product, and if we sold in pet stores or vets, it would command a huge price tag. However, as we don’t have a “middle man” we can sell it at a price comparable to other “premium” products. In addition to this, your pet will actually require less, as he/she will actually be able to digest and utilise more of the food, which also creates less stools. In addition to this we will take the hassle out of driving to your pet store, lugging the food into and out of your boot, as we will deliver to your door free of charge.

Your satisfaction is assured every time you deal with us through our Make You Happy Guarantee If we ever let you down, we’ll ask “what can we do to make you happy?” So far we’ve never refused a customer’s request. And of course there’s a full money back guarantee on the product if your pet doesn’t like it.

Gary Collins, Owner

Call for a FREE sample and more information or call now to place an order. If you place an order this month WE’LL TAKE 33% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER when you mention this advert.

You’re probably wondering what’s the catch? Well we know that almost everyone who buys from us once, buys again, and again, and again!

Ph: 0800 101 729 www.canidae.co.nz

Agribusiness | Yealands Estate

Bay. The area was considered unsuitable for growing grapes but Yealand thought differently and within two years the winery was exporting to more than 20 countries. His planning work began in 2001 and the winery was launched in August 2008.

Harvesting a sustainable future There’s no denying the New Zealand wine industry hit the proverbial wall in 2009, but relief is nigh, according to Yealands Estate founder, Peter Yealand.

“Overall, the industry is at a turning point.

Most people realise the industry got a wee bit cocky with supply in 2008 which saw an abundance of sauvignon blanc produced.

Previously product was so much in demand it sold itself however, the over-supply put a lot of pressure on everyone in the industry.”

The past two to three years have seen asset values come down and therefore a drop in vineyard development. “Everything happening in this period has been maintenance and trial plantings – it’s been very subdued.

“I predicted eight months ago that we would reach and equilibrium in supply and demand – now we have.”

That tipping point is reflected in the latest statistics. New Zealand wineries across the spectrum have improved their profitability during the past financial year compared with results in 2010, according to Vintage 2011, the sixth annual financial benchmarking survey for the New Zealand wine industry. It tracks the results of survey respondents accounting for nearly a third of the industry’s export sales revenue for the 2011 financial year.

under. Those vineyards which have been able to hang in there will have a future.”

He’s looking forward to the future. “We’ve reached that turning point; I’m feeling good.

We are looking for further opportunity in the future for our portfolio. We’re currently sitting at number six, by the end of this vintage we’re looking at being number five. We’re selling to 65 countries around the world so we’re very happy with where we are at.”

He’s obviously an astute businessman and with earnings high enough to have placed him on the New Zealand Business Review Rich List, he’s well aware of the success of his vineyards. But everything you read on him alludes to his humility.

land to create a new lake alongside a 20 hectare vineyard. Soon he had three separate vineyards and was selling grapes to established wineries including Montana.

The strong, year-round coastal winds prove a challenge to viticulture in the area so he developed a reusable plastic vine guard, the Alto Microclime in 2004 as an improvement to the existing, often makeshift alternatives, such as milk cartons.

The estate stretches from snow-capped Mt Tapuaenuku and the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges, all the way to the ocean at Clifford

Yealands Wine Estates in Marlborough is gaining popularity not just for the quality of its product but also for an approach that is at the forefront of sustainability. Everything about the company, from how it cares for the land, how it plants and nurtures its grapes, through the entire winemaking process, to how it packages and produces its wines, is about sustainability.

Its CarbonZero certified sites boast restored wetlands, natural bird control (falcons) and woolly weed controllers (specially bred miniature sheep). And their owner is optimistic that the wine industry has turned a corner.

Yealands Estate Corner of Seaview and Reserve Roads Seddon Blenheim T (03) 575 7618 www.yealands.com

He often refers to himself as just a “glorified farmer” or the “average Kiwi farmer”. Quite simply, I suspect, he’s the classic hardworking, entrepreneurial risk taker. You know the kind – can’t find a tool for the job that needs doing... so he makes it instead.

He has countless business investments in and around Blenheim from car importing, to coalmining. Yealands Estate winery in Seddon is another in a long line, but he’s still as passionate about it as he is about anything else.

It was in 2002 that Yealand started his vineyard ventures after purchasing a marshy area around Blenheim and sculpting the

He’s looking forward to seeing prices stabilise and pick up. “It’s been unsustainable over the last few years, with lots of companies going

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 41

Property & Construction | Prefab NZ

Putting the pieces together

Find out why the prefab revolution is arriving at a building site near you Architecturally designed, sustainable, rapidly assembled and built to last; not words many of us traditionally associate with prefabricated buildings.

Quite the opposite in fact!

When we hear the words ‘prefab’, we think of temporary classrooms, but actually we couldn’t be more wrong.

Today, pre-engineered buildings are manufactured using cutting-edge technology, creating affordable homes in a stylish and individualised way. And in a few weeks’ time Cantabrians will have a chance to see this for themselves, when the Hive – the Home Innovation Expo opens.

Early settlers imported component-based housing kits to New Zealand from the United Kingdom and the United States in the 1800s.

“The whole idea of creating several showhomes in a park is that people can experience it for themselves,” Bell says.

A timber kitset method was used for the 1833 Treaty House in Waitangi. By the end of the 19th century, United States pattern books had spread populist designs, including bay villa and bungalow styles. The railway housing scheme began in the 1920s using a combination of prefabricated components and standardised planning through pattern books.

“You’re not just showing people pictures in a magazine or on a website, they can go there and touch and feel and experience it – architecture is meant to be experienced.

Today, pre-nailed roof trusses and wall frames are in most new built homes. About 20 percent of New Zealand homes are prefabricated and over 95 percent of new homes use pre-built wall frames and/or roof trusses.

“The goal of PrefabNZ is to help people understand these buildings are high quality, permanent, architecturally designed, sustainable and affordable,” Bell says.

That’s why Hive, the Home Innovation Expo will exist.

“For us, the main advantage is the quality and the main disadvantage is the misconceptions.

I hope Hive will blow those misconceptions out of the water for Christchurch people and for the industry too.”

Green features It’s 2012 and as a society we are becoming very aware of the huge, negative impact we are having on the environment. Some industries are worse than others - Bell says the construction industry’s waste statistics are about 40 percent.

“Forty percent straight to landfill! It’s a shocking statistic. There’s the analogy that you wouldn’t build your car in your driveway

- so it begs the question, why are we using 200 year old craft based practises to build a house at site when we could be making them air-tight, water-tight, to very high-quality standards in a factory?

“The waste created in a factory can often be recycled whereas it’s harder and more expensive to do so when the house is being built onsite. Plus when it’s done in a factory, we’re cutting down greatly on the number of trips the contractors make.”

The digital age has revolutionised architecture, Bell says. Homes can be designed and created using high-tech machines in an indoor facility.

“Prefab housing manufacture doesn’t mean that all houses turn out the same. We’re not talking about mass standardisation, we’re talking about mass customisation because we’re now in the era of the computer and the digital file, where each digital file can be customised and each can feed into

For two years, a number of architecturally designed houses will form a virtual suburb at the Canterbury Agricultural Park, exciting Christchurch residents about the opportunities that this housing offers them.

History in the making “Prefabricated buildings have more than 200 years of history in New Zealand, since we brought out pre-cut cottages from the UK,” PrefabNZ CEO Pamela Bell says.

“But it’s all become a bit stereotyped and associated with school classrooms. The thing that’s holding prefab back is that people think it’s cheap, flimsy and temporary.”

That’s where Bell’s organisation steps in. PrefabNZ is a not-for-profit design and construction industry organisation, educating and informing the industry and the general population about the benefits of building off site.

Prefab has had a long history in New Zealand – some of our most loved homes like historic villas and bungalows, were prefabricated.

Homes | Offices | Commercial | Cube Precast Concrete 42 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

The Rakaia - by Falcon Construction with Allied Concrete

Property & Construction | Prefab NZ manufacturing equipment such as cutters and routers.

rigid insulating foam core. The skins and foam core create the high strength that buildings need. Good news for Christchurch people - in “That machinery can’t be used outside so if wall applications, SIPs provide exceptional you want high-quality technical precision, strength, making them suitable as shear walls then you need to be inside.” and structural diaphragms to resist high winds It’s that technical precision that makes prefab and earthquakes. homes green homes. This also impacts on They’re also good for the environment - their a building’s quality. By constructing parts design means they have the ability to create (components, panels, modules or complete a tight, high-performance building envelope. buildings) in a controlled environment, The panels can help reduce annual heating away from inclement weather, worker and and cooling demands. Plus, the tightness resource use can be closely monitored and productivity enhanced. of the SIPs’ envelope also makes buildings healthier – good for asthmatics, those with Many of the sustainable features new homes allergies, children and the elderly. could include will be on display at Hive. For example, Meridian Energy will be working with Premier Modular to show a house that incorporates Solar City solar hot water panels.

This Zero Energy House will be made using Structural Insulated Panels.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are made of two outer sheathing layers laminated to a

Design teams are using SIPs in a range of architectural styles all around the world SIP buildings look no different than other construction materials, and can be used in innovative designs like any other material.

People who visit the Zero Energy House at Hive will be able to see the SIPs in action themselves.

Meridian was also the force behind the award-winning First Light House, the first Kiwi bach to be entirely powered by the sun. First Light House, designed by Victoria University architecture students, has received global recognition, coming third in the prestigious US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition in 2011.

All of the pre-engineered houses at Hive will be energy-efficient, proven by their Homestar rating of six stars and up, a considerable starting point as most new homes have a rating of just four stars.

If visitors to Hive like one of the homes and decide to buy their personalised version of it, they have the option of putting in more green additions to make their house even more sustainable.

a standard New Zealand house to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. The home retains heat and uses heat from the sun so that there is almost no need for heat supply or a heating system.

Like a thermos flask, more heat is retained and less energy is needed to maintain the temperature. Careful design and detailing with a comprehensive understanding of the passive house principles means it is possible to construct a house which uses almost no energy for heating and has a fantastic indoor climate. That means people with a passive house spend a fraction of what normal households spend on power, as well as caring for the environment.

Architecturally designed yet affordable

Not only do green homes protect our beautiful Prefab’s maligned reputation from the last environment, they save money on bills. Take the century of building mass-produced identical Passive House which will be on show at Hive. buildings can no longer be justified.

Built by Green Vicus Passive Homes, it uses only 5-10 percent of the energy required by

Bell says some of the best architects, here and overseas, are passionate about prebuilt designs. “What’s so important with this resurgence of interest in prefab since 2001 is that it’s made possible through digital customisation and fabrication that wasn’t technologically possible last century.”

A number of well-respected architectural firms are working on creating the homes on display at Hive.

“Andre Hodgskin - who is known as a highend architect designing exceptional homes - is working with Keith Hay Homes, to make one of the houses at Hive.

“So what we’re seeing is well-established architects working with businesses that deliver affordable housing. This will result in a whole new range of architect-designed affordable houses that have not been available in the marketplace before.

“For example, Wilson & Hill architects have worked with Laing Homes to develop the Smart Home – that’s a green and beautifully designed home that will be at Hive. It’s also very affordable, you can get a high-quality two-bedroom house for around $220,000.”

Left: Zero Energy House (featuring SIPs) - by Premier Modular.

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 43

Property & Construction | Prefab NZ Most of the houses at Hive retail from between $200k and $300k, and all of the houses have been architect-designed but can still be adapted to meet your preferences and needs. This means that people can live in beautifully designed homes without breaking the bank.

“Hive will show that pre-engineered homes are where good architecture meets affordability,” Bell says.

“That’s the social driver for many of the architects we work with, making architecture more affordable for a wider range of people.

And it’s not about creating identical houses.

“As a general rule, the smaller the component, the greater the variation and computer-aided-design enables customisation by clients – so each home can be different and unique.”

The awards prefabricated buildings have been winning speak volumes. Andre Hodgskin’s iPad at Porikapa Beach in Taranaki won a New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) Architecture Award in 2011.

Last year also saw the PlaceMakers and Registered Master Builders 2011 House of the Year Awards saw a number of PrefabNZ members scoop up prizes.

A hillside home by Glenroy Housing in the Marlborough Sounds won this year’s House of the Year Supreme award. The home also took out the New Homes $350,000 - $450,000 category - showing that top quality can be achieved in any price category.

Stanley Group won the Tourism and Leisure Project award for the Knoll Ridge Café on Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu. Mainzeal Property and Construction Limited took

Above: Smart Home - by Laing Homes with Wilson & Hill architects

out the Commercial Project of the Year, as well as the Industrial and Infrastructure Project for its development of The Rock at Wellington Airport.

Think before you spend

the time it takes to build a traditional house.

These houses offer real options for those who just want to move on with their lives and into their own house again.”

At the NZIA Waikato/Bay of Plenty Local Architecture Awards 2011, Strachan Group Architects (SGA) with Marshall Cook and the 2010 Studio 19 Unitec students, took out a Small Project Architecture award for their bach in Onemana.

“When people get their money, when the insurance floodgates open, people will have the ability to finally make decisions and they’ll want that made quickly,” Bell says.

The Lifemark certification of these houses means they are designed for whole-of-life living, so home-owners can stay in these houses as long as they like – they have effectively been future-proofed. They can be home, for good.

A year on from the quake, and the rebuild, particularly in the residential sector, is getting underway.

“With prefab, some houses can be picked up and delivered. Others can be built in half

All about Hive – the Housing Innovation Expo Buying a home is exciting, but daunting.

It’s probably the biggest decision you’ll ever make and there’s a checklist most people have in their minds – they want a home that is warm, comfortable, unique, seismically safe and cheap to run.

KnightBuilt offer a range of services starting with the supply and erection of the Sip’s panels through to full project management of your building project.

We have developed a database of Architects, Consultants & suppliers from whom we can source and price competitively products or services to compliment your new home, and whether you can go through us or we can work with your preferred Architect / Builder.

Knight Built 9 Berkeley Close, Rangiora, 7400, North Canterbury, NZ

Ph: (03)

313 0238

www.knightbuilt.co.nz

44 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Hive, the Home Innovation Expo gives people those options. It’s a collection of high-quality, architect-designed, sustainable and affordable show-homes open to the public at the Canterbury Agricultural Park from March 2012 to February 2014.

The Opening Weekend Event is 24-25 March and Meridian Energy is offering one lucky person a year of free electricity when they attend this event (terms and conditions apply).

Hive will be a one-stop-shop for househunters who will be able to access information about new house options, available land, mortgages, and insurance in one place. There will be 10 different styles of homes at Hive, taking the stress out of buying a new home by enabling people to get up-close-and personal with a variety of existing homes, while experiencing the latest construction techniques and modern design of a new home.

All of the homes are prefabricated so they can be delivered and assembled on site, quickly—in some cases in half the time of a traditional new-house build. Because most of the manufacturing of a prefabricated home is done in a factory, they also deliver better quality, a smoother compliance certification process, and result in less remedial work on-site. Many of the houses

at Hive retail from between $200k and $250k, and all of the houses have been architect-designed but can still be adapted to meet your preferences and needs.

The homes at Hive have also been designed with sustainability principles in mind. Every home has a Homestar sustainability rating indicating how well insulated it is and the associated reduction in running costs.

They all have a Lifemark rating too, which means they will be suitable for the duration of a person’s life, making it easier to sell or easier to stay as you get older.

Hive’s partners include Meridian Energy, Resene, Winstone Wallboards (GIB), Homestar, Lifemark, Octa, Go2 Events, Anthony Harper, Signtech, Gardenmakers, Marlborough Snug and Boffa Miskell.

Canterbury construction companies also involved with Hive are Laing Homes, Wilson & Hill Architects, Keith Hay Homes, Lockwood, Allied Concrete, and Falcon Construction.

Other housing teams from the Otago region include the Zero Energy House by Premier Modular with Premier SIPs, and the Green Vicus Passive Homes.

Find out more at

www.homeinnovation.co.nz

----

----------------

Property & Construction | Prefab NZ

Why choose

prefab?

- Affordable - Architecturally designed - Attractive - Long-lasting - Stylish and individualised - Sustainable.

What are Homestar and Lifemark ratings?

Both the Homestar and Lifemark rating systems are voluntary systems houses can be assessed by. Homestar is the residential version of Green Star and is used to asses how sustainable a home is.

This is done via a Homecoach - a trained professional who assists homeowners through the online tool. They offer a personalised service, at your home or in-store, assisting you with completion of the questions with accurate information, in order to provide your Homecoach™ Assessment.

They can also talk you through the recommendations and assist you in choosing the right solutions for your home. You can also do your own evaluation of your home for free, online at www.homestar.org.nz The Lifemark is an independent seal of approval which represents accessible and adaptable home design, making it safe and easy for New Zealander’s to live in their own home for as long as they want.

It is the building industry’s equivalent to the Heart Foundation tick, which means you can have every confidence that a Lifemark™ home will be a place you can live in over time, no matter your age, stage or ability. More information can be found at www.lifemark.co.nz

Above: KHH - Keith Hay Homes with Architex architects

Top: Passive Home - by Green Vicus Passive Homes

“The waste created in a factory can often be recycled, whereas it’s harder and more expensive to do so when the house is being built onsite.”

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Nu-Wall has been tested and appraised by BRANZ

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 45

Property & Construction | Prefab NZ About PrefabNZ PrefabNZ is the hub for pre-built construction in New Zealand. PrefabNZ is passionate about how prefabrication can offer innovative highquality buildings on time and within budget – it feels there is a clear need for a radical paradigm shift to improve building quality in a sustainable way by decreasing defects, while also decreasing costs and timeframes.

An increased uptake of prefabrication is for the good of New Zealand’s wider design and construction industry.

PrefabNZ is a self-sustaining non-profit incorporated society representing the interests of a wide range of materials and stakeholders in the design and construction sector. It’s made up of a mix of companies and agencies, from clients through to designers, specifiers, manufacturers, contractors and government.

collaborations and learn new skills. PrefabNZ promotes and re-educates about the benefits of prefabrication to a wide audience.

Find out more at www.prefabnz.com

PrefabNZ PO Box 19-063 Courtenay Place Wellington 6149 T 021 972 635 E info@prefabnz.com www.prefabnz.com

PrefabNZ’s mission is to double the uptake of prefabrication in New Zealand by 2020. BRANZ has measured this as 17 percent in 2010 (by overall cost of the prefabricated components of residential and non-residential buildings), so it is aiming for at least an increase to 40 percent by 2020.

PrefabNZ has three roles, as: • a catalyst for prefab collaboration, • a front-door-portal for prefab information • an incubator for prefab innovation.

PrefabNZ works at the interface between government, industry organisations and members. It aims to provide a forum for members to make wider contacts, form

46 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Below: Smart Home - by Laing Homes with Wilson & Hill architects

HABODE is now a Stage One house that will be at the opening March 24/25

Below: KHH - Keith Hay Homes with Architex architects

News | Interview

Maximising

merino

By Melinda Collins

Kiwi ingenuity; it’s world famous. Perhaps one of the strongest examples is how Kiwis took some domestic cows in the 1800s and turned them into today’s multi-billion dollar dairy industry. In the early 2000s, those dairy products equated to New Zealand’s leading export earner, sold to 140 countries throughout the world. And now we’re doing it again. With a rapidly strengthening profile, both here and overseas, merino wool has established itself as an essentially Kiwi commodity.

Farmed fashion According to New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) CEO John Brakenridge, as little as 15 years ago, merino wool was sold as nothing more than a commodity blend.

“When we suggested selling it in its 100 percent form, people said no. We (NZM) took merino, partnered with the likes of Icebreaker and unlocked new markets and new potential for it.

“New Zealand is very good at producing commodity products, but in terms of marketing them around the world, we leave a lot to be desired.”

That’s where NZM comes in. NZM began as a joint venture between New Zealand’s merino growers through Merino Growers Investment Limited (MGIL) and PGG Wrightson Ltd. Earlier this year MGIL purchased PGG Wrightson’s stake to take full ownership of the company. Launched in 1996, the organisation was designed to increase demand for New Zealand merino globally by working with supply chain partners to champion the unique attributes of the fibre, undertake research and development to enhance all aspects of the merino offering from on-farm practices to garment production, and to broker merino for growers to ensure the best possible sustainable price to keep the merino tradition passing from generation to generation of farming family.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 47

News | Interview

“We’re competing against cotton and synthetics such as polyester so we’ve got to be very good at what we do,” Brackenridge says of the value-adding proposition.

It helps that wool is not just grandma’s zany knitted jumpers anymore; wool today is one of the most desired fibres, taking pride of place at the height of fashion.

Modern production methods have created merino wool products that are itch-free and machine washable. A natural temperature regulator, hypoallergenic, odour free, stain resistant, durable, animal friendly and environmentally sustainable, merino wool is one of the most versatile and practical natural fibres in the world.

So it’s little wonder it has developed into a $150 million industry.

However, like all commodity markets, wool has the potential for boom bust cycles, much like what was experienced in 2009. According to Federated Farmers, the sheep population in New Zealand had dropped by 50 percent from 70 million down to 35 million.

Federated Farmers president Don Nicholson described the industry at the time as dire.

“With the cost of production and harvesting the wool, some farmers are not breaking even.” Sheep farmers were experiencing their worst returns for almost five decades.

But a shining light for the industry came in the form of NZM. The organisation has established three-year supply contracts in New Zealand dollars for a substantial amount of fibre, giving confidence to both growers and the end market by insulating the industry against its boom bust potential.

“For the people in the supply chain, no matter the part they play, this is probably the best part of their business, because of the certainty and the consistency,” he says.

Historically, merino farmers sold their wool at auction to a wool processor, who sold to a spinner, who sold to a knitter or weaver, who sold to a retail brand. Each person in the supply chain would jealously guard their customers and argue each week over price, convinced that others in the chain were making more money.

An independent validation by McKinsey and Co found NZM is adding value for growers to the tune of $10 million to $15 million annually.

“Everybody in that supply chain needs to exist, but they need to exist collaboratively,” Brakenridge says.

“We target the retail brand, back-fill the supply chain, and that supply chain works together. If New Zealand and our grower/ suppliers are going to get more money, that can only happen if you’ve got more money happening at retail and you’ve got a more effective and efficient supply chain.”

The company’s strategy has been to grow new categories for merino wool, for use in active outdoor wear, through partnerships with retail brands like Icebreaker, Smartwool and Ibex.

The jewel in the merino crown has always been wool. But thanks to NZM, the country is seeing substantial gains made in the name of sheep.

Haute cuisine Much like the luxury fashion world embraced merino’s fine quality, so too has the culinary world. NZM formed a joint venture with Silver Fern Farms to create a luxury meat brand, Silere alpine origin merino, which is now being sold to discerning consumers throughout the world.

The partnership, Alpine Origin Merino, is an important component in the aspiration to double the current $150 million merino industry over the next five years by unlocking the value of merino meat and co-products such as leather and lanolin, alongside NZM’s initiatives to add value to fibre.

Brakenridge says high country farmers have always known about the superior qualities of merino meat. “It’s one of the high country’s best kept secrets. The merino breed of sheep is at home with the variable terrain and diet of New Zealand’s high country. These characteristics are reflected in a distinct flavour and silky texture that is lean and healthy,” he says.

As a first step to the world’s premium markets, Alpine Origin Merino has partnered with a selection of New Zealand’s top restaurants to feature Silere alpine origin merino on their menus, testing merino with discerning global consumers during the Rugby World Cup. “Merino has the potential to be a culinary sensation in select global markets, just as we have seen with the rising popularity of Wagyu beef in recent years. Until now merino has not been differentiated in the way.

“The chefs we have spoken to unanimously agree that Silere alpine origin merino is a superb product - their feedback has been exceptional. We’re confident international visitors dining at our partner restaurants will agree and we’ll be seeking their feedback,” Brakenridge says.

Ethical business It’s not just the fashion and culinary worlds which are seeing the value of merino. NZM is also adding value to the entire supply chain by adding ethics. The Zque brand of merino fibre has credentials supporting its economic and environmental sustainability, as well as animal welfare and traceability standards.

“Retail brands are increasingly wanting to ensure their products are sourced sustainably and ethically, while being able to tell the story of where the products came from. NZM is the best in the world at providing brands which are in-line with those principles.”

An accreditation program, Zque ensures five key factors are taken into account in producing quality merino products, ensuring sustainability of the merino wool trade and being ethically responsible at the same time. Developed to guarantee the integrity of merino products, Zque products includes assurance that production systems meet suitable standards for livestock stewardship, management of the environment and socially responsible practices, and that the resulting products are of the highest quality.

In partnership with the Government’s Primary Growth Partnership fund, Alpine Origin Merino expects to unlock significant additional value Specifically, Zque: in merino sheep, particularly for farmers. ▲ Encourages the production of ‘fit for purpose’ New Zealand merino fibre Silver Fern Farms CEO Keith Cooper says through systems with enhanced animal the merino meat project is part of a wider welfare, environmental, social and programme to maximise the value of New economic values Zealand sheep. “Our goal is to turn the traditionally volume-based sales approach characteristic of the New Zealand lamb industry on its head by pursuing premium opportunities in higher-value micro-markets.

“Part of this shift in thinking involves adding value to cuts traditionally perceived as lesser “Sheep are a multi-faceted animal. We value. We need to challenge the thinking that realised there was much more value for the we can only ever achieve top dollar for racks farmer and for the country.” and loins,” Cooper says.

48 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

▲ Provides extra confidence for customers as to the quality and integrity of New Zealand merino fibre accredited under the Zque programme ▲ Provides a framework for further innovation of the programme and grower recognition in the future.

And it’s not about to go out of fashion anytime soon.

Property & Construction | ITM Group Paint Section – ITM staff have a huge knowledge of their many products, including paint.

is that ITM has ensured an increasing level of recognition and support from suppliers throughout the country.

Helping hands The volume of repairing and rebuilding Canterbury faces is unprecedented in our nation’s history. It is simply a case of all hands on deck and ITM is committed to playing its part.

ITM chief executive Gordon Buswell says the company is ready to service all earthquake repair needs in Canterbury.

“We have the capacity to service the minor touch ups right through to full builds of individual houses, as well as supporting builders of houses in large numbers.”

All of ITM’s product lines are available through dedicated supply lines, and the capacity is there to meet the full demand when it reaches its peak.

Canterbury builders are being urged to choose ITM for all their building supplies for earthquake repairs and rebuilds.

Buswell says while there is a deep feeling of frustration in Christchurch over the continuing earthquakes and the rebuild delays, the opportunities are still there.

“For our customer base the opportunities will come in the reconstruction,” he says.

Canterbury builders are being urged to buy their supplies from Canterbury-based suppliers.

“The conditions of the Fletchers Construction contract is a community-based response, which means that people within Canterbury should benefit from the reconstruction of Canterbury,” says Buswell.

Builders can individually determine where their products will come from, based on their historical relationships.

“The biggest halt to progress is the continued shakes and insurance,” he says.

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“When builders complete the house, home owners aren’t guaranteed insurance at that time, unless they have some private arrangement. Since the quakes on December 23 a lot of insurance companies are unsure.”

ITM ideal for reconstruction All nine ITM stores in Canterbury are open and fully operational.

“Each store is looking at how they will increase their capacity when the rebuild does begin,” says Buswell.

With an extensive history of dealing almost exclusively within the trade market, ITM stores around Canterbury are the perfect choice for builders seeking high-quality products for the reconstruction of quakedamaged homes and buildings.

Whether it is providing complete precut/ prenail frames and roof trusses, or manufacturing pozi struts, long-reach floor trusses and flitch beam lintels to meet the requirements, ITM stores will go out of their way to supply what builders need.

All prenailed wall frames and roof trusses are fabricated in-house or under contract, saving time on site and resulting in better built houses which take shape quicker and more cheaply than traditional on-site methods.

ITM offers trade customers extensive support and the sharing of information, products and ideas.

A handy offspin from networking in timber, building supplies and hardware purchasing

With more than 90 ITM member stores countrywide and eight located in Canterbury, customers benefit from some serious buying muscle. That means members can enjoy the buying prices and rebate structures competitive with corporate retailers nationwide. Collective negotiations allow members access to products they would not have been able to purchase as sole independents.

A history of helping ITM is all about people – a philosophy which has seen the company go from strength to strength since its formation more than 20 years ago.

Back in 1991, a group of six individuals formed the board of the ITM Cooperative Society. It was based in the north of the North Island and formed in the belief that independently owned businesses could not only survive, but thrive when they combined their efforts. It proved so successful it wasn’t long until the society spread throughout the country.

The initial focus of the group was clear.

They wanted to gain buying power and capitalise on the marketing advantages that pulling together would bring. Each member of the board realised the importance of consistency in both quality and service and strived to make this ideal the philosophy of the ITM group.

That commitment soon manifested into the ‘Tim Timber’ radio commercials, which became a favourite and proved a great success in terms of the brand becoming a household name.

By the mid 90s the brand and market presence of ITM was a force to be reckoned with, having established itself quickly as a major player in the building materials distribution arena.

But unlike so many good business ideas, the focus of the operation was never compromised during its development. It was still about the people.

Today the ITM group has a strong and rocksolid relationship with its 280 suppliers. All ITM stores are independently owned, ensuring customers’ specific needs can be more effectively met.

The support office is there to make sure that each member receives the services its customers need. It’s all about ‘maximum synergy with minimum control’. That means the support office is there to get involved when it’s needed, and leave the members to get on and do their own thing when it’s not.

52 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Property & Construction | ITM Group

Trade and DIY customer base South Island trade and DIY customers have much to gain from buying their supplies at their local ITM store.

ITM chief executive Gordon Buswell says ITM has two streams of business –trade customers, who make up 85-90 percent of sales, and the remaining smaller percentage of serious DIY customers.

“DIY customers come in because they have a project and they need some professional advice,” he says.

“We have a lot of information on our website telling people how to build a fence or a deck.”

ITM’s extensive website contains a large number of brochures for both DIY and trade customers, including information on sustainable building, building guides, building products, timber grades, specialist installers and contractors, building business, trade club and codes of practice.

ITM also has a rural presence in certain stores throughout Canterbury, including Rangiora, Amberley, Darfield and Leeston.

Buswell says ITM differs considerably from other large hardware chains in New Zealand, with up to 90 percent of business done on account.

Dry Goods – ITM operates eight stores throughout Canterbury.

This system of ownership means ITM’s trade customers are dealing with the store owner, who is a like-minded business person.

“It’s a business relationship and they share a lot of the same issues and challenges,” Buswell says.

“The other advantage is that they can build a relationship. The trade business isn’t a transactional business where the relationship stops when you walk outside the door. With “Other hardware chains are in retail locations. our business the relationship goes well A trade business like ITM is a destination beyond the store front. We’re involved in our business – people drive there with their customers’ business and what they need in trucks and trailers and the location isn’t as terms of making their business work, such as important. What’s important is the service you deliveries to site and reps visiting sites. We get when you arrive,” he says. offer loyalty advantages that are designed for builders. It’s a very intimate relationship and Local ownership it’s a business-to-business relationship with Each ITM store is locally owned and operated some depth.” by people who are committed to the communities they service.

The power of ITM

“We’re owned by our members,” chief executive Gordon Buswell says.

A philosophy of “strength in numbers” has been key to the growth and success of ITM.

“One of our competitive advantages is that we have owners in stores, and those owners are part of their local communities. They tend to be there for quite some time.”

The group recognises that it’s all about teamwork, co-operation and good people.

environment. Its main emphasis is on the trade and serious DIY markets.

The group involves 91 stores nationwide, with 26 in the South Island and nine in the Christchurch area, including Kaiapoi, Amberley, Rangiora, Dyers Road, Hampton, Hillside, Darfield and Leeston.

ITM chief executive Gordon Buswell says 1300 people are employed throughout New Zealand, with new stores currently opening in Greymouth and Otorohanga.

“We are one of New Zealand’s leading timber, hardware and building supply merchants in terms of product range, brand marketing

ITM is now well positioned in the market with a strong trade focus in an ever-changing

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 53

Property & Construction | ITM Group Hamptons Store – ITM in Hampton is a popular choice with local trade.

ITM product range ITM supplies a huge range of building materials, hardware and timber, including:

Building materials • Concrete, cement and masonry • Doors and mouldings • Exterior claddings • Flooring • GIB board and accessories • Insulation • MDF panels • Particleboard • Reinforcing steel • Roll products • Roofing • Veneer boards • Wet wall linings • Rural supplies • F and J panels and hardware • Landscape supplies strength and our ability to respond quickly to changes or demands of the market,” he says.

“The old saying ‘strength in numbers’ also rings true at ITM - except our strength is in our buying power, ensuring that members can offer their customers the most competitive prices. Not to mention the fact that members benefit greatly from nationwide promotional

campaigns and superior marketing ability.

And the loyalty programme which offers customers added incentives to purchase products at any ITM store.”

path for future ITM growth. All members are equal shareholders with a vested interest in the success of ITM.

• Garage doors • Velux windows • Rainwater solutions

There’s also a lot of internal discussion.

Members are encouraged to voice their opinions and to make decisions as part of the Cooperative and therefore help determine the

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Wattyl proudly supporting ITM Building Centres throughout Canterbury 54 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

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Property & Construction | ITM Group Timber

Kitchens, bathrooms and laundry

• Prenailed frames and trusses

• Flat pack kitchens

• Framing timber

• Taps

• Foundation piles

• Sinks

• Joists and rafters

• Appliances

• Boards and fascia

• Showers

• Panelling and mouldings

• Baths

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• Vanities

• Fence components

• Toilets

• Roundwood and poles

• Bathroom accessories

• Landscape timber

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• Engineered wood products • Wood plastic composite decking

Services

• Plywood

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Hardware • Adhesives and sealants • Fixings and fastenings • Locks and security equipment

Kaiapoi - ITM offers a huge range of building materials and hardware.

• Rural buildings • National accounts • Installers and contractors • Sustainable building • Onsite waste management.

• Hand tools • Power tools • Paint

ITM Head office

• Paint accessories

PO Box 101556

• Electrical supplies

North Shore City T (09) 415 2787 F (09) 415 2788 www.itm.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Dyers TVC Shoot – ITM in Dyers Road.

ITM’s store in Leeston.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 55

Property & Construction | Adhesion Sealing

Getting watertight right When Steve Moodie is asked what his company, Adhesion Sealing, actually does, he often has trouble explaining. That’s because his business isn’t involved in the glamorous side of the building industry, but instead provides a vital sealing and waterproofing service that is at the heart of every high-quality construction and renovation project.

Adhesion Sealing does the nitty gritty work that ensures our homes and commercial properties are safe, dry, healthy and watertight.

Sealing and waterproofing specialist Steve and his wife Michelle purchased Adhesion Sealing in 2007 and have continued the hard work to grow the business in order to provide a complete protection package for new and old buildings.

Fact File:

Earthquake remediation work

Adhesion Sealing offers a complete sealing and waterproofing service, including:

The company has been busy filling in the cracks in Christchurch.

• Waterproofing and sealing roofs and decks • Membrane roofing • Tanking basements and below-ground structures

“Back in 1987, when the original company was formed, we started by doing pre-cast panel sealants, grouting and water proofing between the panels,” he says.

• Pre-cast panel grouting

“Then we branched into crack injection, which we’ve been doing for 10 or 12 years and we’ve gone from there. We also lay resin floor toppings for freezing works and process areas, as well as concrete repair work.”

• Commercial building window, wallboard and cladding sealant

Adhesion Sealing applies specialist protective coatings, including for swimming pools, and offers a range of high-quality sealants for any type of job.

• Pre-cast panel and floor sealants • Toppings, coatings and screeds to flooring

• Swimming pool sealing and coatings • Concrete strengthening, repairs and protective coatings • Crack injection and seismic strengthening • Commercial buildings and homes.

“People are seeing the need to invest a bit more to ensure their building doesn’t suffer leaky building syndrome,” Moodie says.

“In the past people didn’t want to spend a lot of money on below-ground waterproofing, because they couldn’t see it. Now they’re aware of the issues of not doing it correctly the first time.”

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56 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Committed to the city

While the growth in Christchurch business has been welcome, Adhesion Sealing has faced increasing competition from sealing The Dunedin-based company, which has branches in Christchurch and Queenstown, has companies coming into the city to do been filling cracks and sealing leaky buildings earthquake work. damaged during Canterbury’s earthquakes.

However, Moodie says his business has been Owner Steve Moodie says the earthquakes have created a lot of work for Adhesion Sealing, which takes great satisfaction in being able to help distressed Christchurch property owners.

operating in the city for eight years and is not just in it to make some easy money.

The company has completed two big earthquake jobs in the city; one at the old brick Sanitarium building in Papanui and the other at Northlands Mall.

“We’ve been here for eight years and we intend to be here for the long haul. We’re building relationships with people with a long-term view, not a short-term view.”

“We’ve done extensive work at Northlands Mall on the mall buildings and one of the car parks with crack injection work,” Moodie says.

“This work provides strength by tying the structure back together using epoxy resins.”

“We’re building our team in Christchurch for the long term. We don’t just see this as a chance to make some quick money,” he says.

Adhesion Sealing’s commitment to Christchurch means it will be in a strong position when the earthquake remedial work is replaced by new building work within the next few months.

Property & Construction | Adhesion Sealing Seismic strengthening systems

Top-quality products

Adhesion Sealing has been helping strengthen Adhesion Sealing offers a wide range of some of Dunedin’s historic buildings, as waterproofing and sealing products backed up property owners become more aware of by reliable professional suppliers. earthquake risks.

The company chooses from the world’s best Owner Steve Moodie says the company construction-quality products to provide the has recently started offering fibreglass and best solution for every job. carbon fibre seismic systems, which help hold “We have a wide range of products to suit all buildings together during earthquakes. applications. You can’t just have one product Adhesion Sealing did a big seismic and apply it everywhere. People’s needs are strengthening job for the University of Otago different,” he says. last year. The project involved strengthening “We have a good range of national and multian old triple-brick building covering an area of national suppliers, who we look after; and 600 square metres. they look after us as well.”

“It was earthquake strengthening of a These products include resins that can be building that was being refurbished. We’ve applied to leaky tanks, even if they are full. always done a bit of that work, but our resin flooring experience has helped us with the Adhesion Sealing employs skilled and seismic strengthening because it’s a similar experienced staff who can design the ideal product,” Moodie says. system for each job. The company also works in closely with architects, engineers and The Otago University job involved removing building companies. plaster cladding off the interior walls, grinding and priming the bricks and filling low areas.

“Then we applied the first layer of fibreglass resin. We drilled fibreglass ties through the bricks and then applied a second layer of fibreglass resin in a different direction. After that we then blew sand onto the wet resin to give it a key so it could be replastered. With the building dating back to the early 1900s, it was important for the client that it now looks exactly the same as it did originally.”

A wealth of industry knowledge

The seismic fibreglass resin system was selected because the building had a lot of windows. Using structural steel would have meant a lot of cross braces running across the windows, which wasn’t ideal.

Adhesion Sealing has recently completed a $500,000 below-ground waterproofing and roofing job on a large new house in Wanaka, and is about to start another big job on a new house in Queenstown.

Adhesion Sealing is working hard to develop this earthquake strengthening work, which has become a greater focus since the Canterbury earthquakes.

“We offer good, down-to-earth advice,” Moodie says.

Moodie has 35 years’ experience within the construction industry, including as a qualified builder and project manager.

Both he and his staff do everything possible to make sure each job is completed to the highest possible standard.

Adhesion Sealing Limited PO Box 1527 Dunedin 9054 T (03) 453 0791 Christchurch office T (03) 365 0914 Queenstown office T (03) 441 8195 www.adhesionsealing.co.nz — Advertising Feature

“We’re always happy to help out - no job is too big or too small.

“This type of seismic strengthening work is not as disruptive as putting holes in a building to install steel members, and is relatively quiet work as well,” says Moodie.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 57

Property & Construction | Wayne Rothwell Builders

Bringing buildings alive Since the beginnings of time, when we painted cave walls, humans have used their abode as an extension of their own personal expression. As our taste has become more refined and our homes more elaborate, it is a desire we have yet to see abated.

For a builder who can translate one’s personal expression into a home which is both practically and aesthetically pleasing is quite a feat. For that same home to meet national award criteria is even more impressive.

Wayne Rothwell has won the National Award in the $250,000 to $500,000 renovation category in the national finals of the Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition. As a first time entrant, he was one of two national Gold Reserve finalists in his section, having made it there on the basis of his very high scores in the regional competition.

The renovation was on the home of Dr Angela Pack at Patons Rock. Once owned by the Page family, Angela and her late husband spent their honeymoon on the property in 1978. In 1995 they purchased it for holidays and in 2009, after the death of her husband, Dr Pack made the Patons Rock property her permanent home.

Built in the early 1970s, the Patons Rock bach had an interesting sawtooth roofline which was retained, together with three of its original outer walls, before an extension was added. The house was fully reclad, all windows were replaced, and some were redesigned. Two entirely new bathrooms, a new state-of-the-art modern kitchen and a new garage enabled redistribution of space within so that the original bach was transformed into a unique modern home full of personality and style.

“She was such a great client to work with.

Instead of taking weeks to finalise various building aspects, she was able to make decisions promptly and that made the job both easier and more enjoyable for us both.”

“Angela had to make the hard decision on whether to demolish and rebuild it, or to renovate, but sentimental value influenced her choice to retain, extend and renovate the single storey house.

“It was a great opportunity and it was fantastic to be recognised in such a way. It was daunting giving a speech in front 720 people; that’s not something I’m used to in this line of work,” he laughs.

“She got hold of me through word of mouth in the village; I’m a new addition to the area, having only been here eight years. I looked into the job and decided I wanted to do it.”

He works within the vast realms of the building industry. “We pretty much do everything from hay sheds and wool sheds, to renovations and new houses. I enjoy the finishing part of the work; I aspire to get everything right.

Living just a few houses away from each other helped logistically and Dr Pack’s positive attitude was also a good aspect to the partnership.

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Rothwell says the renovation posed different challenges to new building work, but he was pleased with the way the job had turned out.

The team of expert judges clearly agreed.

He travelled to Auckland to receive the commendation.

“The kitset homes are popular for builders today – but there’s no finishing to it. We use natural timbers and pay real attention to detail on those finishing aspects which really sets our work aside from others.”

But he refuses to take all the credit. “The renovation project was drawn up by an architect and he had some really great ideas.”

Wayne is not only extremely talented, but also humble to boot.

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Oakfields – where town meets the county Moving out to picturesque Amberley has never looked more appealing to Christchurch residents than now. Not only is the town just a short drive away from the city, but it has also been spared the brunt of the Canterbury earthquakes.

Strong demand for sections

Luxurious rural living

Oakfields Fact File:

Landor Developments director Peter McClelland says stage two of Oakfields was launched in December, with out about half of the 36 sections already sold.

Oakfields at Amberley offers residents all of the benefits of small-town life, while still being an easy drive from a major city.

• Stage 2 of Oakfields was launched in December, with 36 sections selling off the plan. Over half are either sold or under offer already.

A perfect location to build your new home in Amberley is Oakfields, a beautiful and spacious subdivision currently being developed by Landor Developments.

“A large number of people are coming out to Amberley from Christchurch,” he says.

Many of the larger 700-800sqm sites were among the first to sell, with some people expressing an interest in waiting for stage 3 in order to secure a big site.

There are a number of smaller lots still available and house-and-land packages are being offered from $295,000.

McClelland says the house-and-land packages are ideal for many red zone residents who want a new home but have never built before.

“The big appeal is that we’ve been lucky and we haven’t had the same earthquake impact that Christchurch has. Amberley is seen as a safe zone.”

A full geotechnical report has been carried out on the Oakfields site, which determined there was “effectively no liquefaction risk on this site”.

Oakfields is also insurance friendly, as there has been very little damage in Amberley and the entire infrastructure is in place and unaffected.

All sections will have all of the services that are available in the city, including highpressure water, sewerage and telephone.

“It’s got very good soil type and has had no liquefaction,” says McClelland.

“Some people don’t want to leave Canterbury and Christchurch and Amberley isn’t too far away. It’s on the fringe of the city and it’s seen as safe.”

Christchurch residents are keen on the lifestyle offered at Oakfields in Amberley.

Oakfields is a new, affordable and convenient residential community in Amberley. The development is positioned in an attractive rural setting with plenty of green space, and the convenience of local amenities close by, including medical services, a post office, banking and a district library.

• Since the December 23 earthquake there has been a new round of interest in Oakfields Ambeley • Amberley residents report they only experience earthquakes above 5.5.

There is already a significant medical centre in stage 1 of Oakfields, which includes a hydro therapy pool and physio.

• A third stage of Oakfields is being designed and the developers are taking expressions of interest.

The site is within an easy walk of the shops and the proposed new Brackenfields shopping centre, which is scheduled for construction later this year.

• The convenience of its location near to Christchurch is a major point of difference for Oakfields.

Landor Developments director Peter McClelland says stage 1 of Oakfields was completed several years ago and will be linked to the new stage by roads, walkways and cycleways. Oakfields will also eventually include a beautiful three-hectare park.

• Fibre cable and fast-speed broadband will be installed.

• Amberley contains well-developed social infrastructure, including fire service, sports club (golf seaside course), bowls, squash, rugby, cricket, soccer, walking groups and a tennis club.

“Oakfields is a completely integrated development and there will be more stages in the future,” McClelland says.

• Amberley offers easy access to the outdoors, such as rivers, beaches, hills, fishing, white baiting and off roading

“There will eventually be 250 sections, including the retirement village.”

• Transport services to Christchurch are readily available.

Many people buying sections at Oakfields have chosen to take part in the Hurunui Sustainable Building Trust’s sustainability scheme, under which houses are rated on their sustainable features.

Experienced housing developers Landor Developments is a leading independent and privately owned organisation specialising in all facets of residential and commercial developments in Canterbury.

Landor Developments Limited 123 Carters Road Amberley 7410 M (027) 435 5485 E peter@landor.co.nz www.landor.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Its expertise includes everything from feasibility studies, driving the process of rezoning and resource consents, through to overseeing the completion of construction and subsequent obtaining of titles and sale of properties.

Landor Developments has previously developed the Teviots, a 27-section residential development at Amberley. The Teviots features large section sizes ranging from 2000-3000sqm.

The Brackens is another proposed residential subdivision by Landor Developments and will be adjacent to the Teviots.

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 59

Property & Construction | Upright Scaffolding

Complete scaffolding services Upright Scaffolding in Christchurch is celebrating 60 years in business. Six decades of experience in scaffolding services has seen the company develop a strong reputation for health and safety compliance, professionalism and work quality.

Upright Scaffolding has been owned and operated by the Pfahlert family since 1981 and has occupied its current Lowe Street site next to the new Blenheim Road bridge since 1949.

minimum disruption for the customer. They are qualified to deal with industrial hazards and dangerous sites and are members of Site Safe.

Fit for any project Upright Scaffolding is a market leader in providing scaffolding services throughout the Canterbury region. The company has 12 gangs of scaffolders, who provide a quick service and turn around on every job.

Scaffolding is designed and erected to minimise impact on owners of residential properties and building sites. Care is taken to ensure vehicle access in and out of driveways and garages is kept clear where painting is required above those areas.

Warwick Pfahlert and his two sons, Chris and Nick, own and manage the business, although Warwick admits he’s stepped back from the day-to-day operations.

Upright Scaffolding is the only scaffolding company in Christchurch that is an agent for Smart Trade, a nationwide facilitator of businessto-business loyalty rewards programmes.

Upright Scaffolding can provide scaffolding for any project, large or small. It services the residential, commercial and industrial building markets, whether the projects are new builds, extensions or renovations.

Upright Scaffolding predominantly uses the steel tube-and-clip scaffolding system, which is ideal for elevated working platforms around irregular shapes or tight curves. Tube and fitting scaffolding is extremely flexible, with the scaffold lengths and arrangement dictated by the requirements and safety standards of the environment, rather than the tube length itself.

A greater proportion of the company’s work is in the industrial and commercial sectors, including a range of marine-based and associated works in the Lyttelton Port area.

The skilled team at Upright Scaffolding are trained and qualified to deal with any industrial site and work hard to ensure

Upright Scaffolding also uses aluminium scaffolding, which is ideal for all light-weight uses. These units can be mobile on wheels, or can be fixed.

Earthquake work Upright Scaffolding has been heavily involved in earthquake repairs in Christchurch and is ready to undertake any emergency job at short notice.

Co-owner Warwick Pfahlert says the business has been extremely busy during the past year with earthquake work.

“Initially the earthquakes stretched us a bit, but the purchase of more equipment has made a difference. We purchased quite a bit more,” he says.

“At the moment we have our finger on the pulse so we can expand very quickly when we need to.”

Pfahlert says no job is too big or too small for Upright Scaffolding.

“A lot of our work is done with homeowners on smaller jobs. Scaffolding is a requirement now for almost all jobs that require height access. At present we’re providing scaffolding for a great number of roof repairs, working closely with many roofing companies.”

Pfahlert says industry in Christchurch appears to be moving forward, while the farming sector is also doing well following the recent Fonterra payout.

“There are a huge number of housing developments going in around Canterbury and there are many new houses underway already.”

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www.uprightscaffolding.co.nz 60 | February/March www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Commercial

Top - Earthquake work has kept Upright Scaffolding busy during the past year.

Above - Upright Scaffolding is a market leader in providing scaffolding services throughout the Canterbury region.

Industrial

Residential

Property & Construction | Upright Scaffolding Family owned business Being a family-owned business has given Upright Scaffolding the opportunity to create long-term relationships with clients, builders and members of the construction industry.

Co-owner Warwick Pfahlert says for the past 30 years his family and their staff have worked hard to create strong relationships with customers.

“We work in closely with industry, including the fertiliser industry, farming, freezing works and the building industry,” he says.

“We’re involved in Lyttelton on boats, ships, fishing boats and dry dock. All our industrial clients provide 50 percent of our income and everything follows from there.”

Many building and construction companies around Christchurch go straight to Upright Scaffolding for all of their scaffolding requirements.

“We have good relationships with them.

We do a lot of work outside hours to allow the contractors to work on their projects during the day. We work evenings and early mornings to make sure there are no holdups for them.”

Sixty years in business have seen Upright Scaffolding develop a solid reputation for providing great service to its customers.

“We do this by focusing on our customers’ needs and providing a fast, efficient and safe service, at an affordable price,” Pfahlert says.

— Advertising Feature

Upright Scaffolding does a lot of marine-based and industrial work in the Lyttelton Port area.

Fact File: • Upright Scaffolding has been operating in Christchurch for 60 years.

• The company has been family owned since 1981 and located on its current site in Lowe Street, Riccarton, since 1949.

• Upright Scaffolding’s qualified team can design and build scaffolding for any residential, commercial or industrial project.

• Scaffolding can be constructed in either steel or aluminium, depending on the requirements.

Upright Scaffolding 39 Lowe Street Addington Christchurch 8149

• Safety is a priority for the company, which is a member of Site Safe and Scaffolding, Access and Rigging New Zealand.

• Upright Scaffolding is the sole agent in the scaffolding industry for smart trade in the Canterbury area.

• No job is too big or too small for Upright Scaffolding.

• The company is geared up and ready to undertake any emergency earthquake work when required.

T (03) 348 7385 F (03) 348 2536 E info@uprightscaffolding.co.nz www.uprightscaffolding.co.nz

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Phone: 337 0067 | www.childs.co.nz | 81 Cashmere Road www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 61

Property & Construction | M Bainbridge Homes

A proven record of success As the Gold Reserve winners in the House of the Year 2011 competition, and picking up Gold awards for the last three years running, M Bainbridge Homes Ltd’s exceptional quality of work is proven.

With M Bainbridge Homes Ltd you can be sure your job will run smoothly and hasslefree as the company’s project manager, Mark Bainbridge, is also one of the builders, as well as being the company’s owner.

Mark is a licensed building practitioner with 20 years’ hands-on experience in the building industry; he has many satisfied customers happy to testify to his quality workmanship.

He formed M Bainbridge Homes Ltd in 2004 with his wife Emma and they both have an extensive portfolio of varied work behind them.

Emma is the architectural designer who provides all of the in-house design work as well as liaising with clients and dealing with project management. She has been designing houses for 10 years and has an extensive portfolio available for viewing. She specialises in ‘Hollywood Style’ houses with huge street appeal and impressive entranceways, but has created many different styles and can look at anything you might want to do.

Proudly Supporting M.Bainbridge Homes Ltd Phone (03) 373 6049 Fax (03) 376 6049 291 Dyers Road, Christchurch. www.dyersroaditm.co.nz

Emma says the company started out with her designing and Mark building. “We have grown into a medium sized building company, not too big that we can’t be hands-on but not too small that we can’t be competitive with other large companies in our pricing.”

M Bainbridge Homes Ltd offers any type of building you require such as a complete design and build service – the company manages the job from the initial design brief through to project completion, labour only work, alterations or just design.

It also offers house and land packages or can provide competitive quotations on your existing plans. The company is a Registered Master Builder and all its homes come with a 10 year Master Build Guarantee.

Mark says at Bainbridge Homes, the team takes the time to work with each of their individual clients. “You know who is building your house and by eliminating any inbetween people we eliminate any confusion that can occur when too many people are involved in a job.

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Phone: 03 343 0318 | Fax: 03 343 0386 Riccarton Office: First floor, BNZ Building, 81 Riccarton Road, Christchurch

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Property & Construction | M Bainbridge Homes

Why choose M Bainbridge Home Ltd?

LOOKING FOR STAFF?

• Family business • Ten year Registered Master Builders Guarantee

• In house architectural designer “Our focus is on quality rather than quantity and by only taking on work we can manage ourselves we are able to stick to this guideline. There are no project managers and no salespeople – we are with you all the way.

Please call or email for further information or to discuss your project.

• Winners of the Gold Reserve in ‘House of the Year 2011’ • Competitive quotations • Virtual showhomes and homes for sale, view its website.

M Bainbridge Home Ltd PO Box 38153 Christchurch 8442 T (03) 382 2335 E info@bainbridgehomes.co.nz www.bainbridgehomes.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 63

Property & Construction | Buildtech Holdings

Helping tackle the damage Buildtech Holdings Limited is flat out repairing Christchurch homes, and is taking great care to be sensitive when dealing with stressed home owners.

The company undertakes a wide range of construction work, including residential and commercial new builds and renovations, but has been heavily involved in earthquake repairs since its formation early last year.

Buildtech Holdings (which employs 30 staff and up to 40 contractors) is split into three divisions – Buildtech Restorations, Buildtech Commercial and Buildtech Residential.

Managing director Israel Cooper says the restorations division is primarily involved with repair work for the Earthquake Commission.

“At this stage earthquake repairs makes up about 70-80 percent of what we’re doing.

Over the last eight months we’ve worked closely with Fletchers EQR to put in place the necessary infrastructure so the company can grow,” Cooper says.

“We’ve worked through the bugs and now we’re really ready to tackle that project.

Earthquake work is going to keep us busy for the next four-five years.”

From left: health and safety manager Olga Zaytseva, accounts manager Judy van Dongen, managing director Israel Cooper, general manager Phil Cooper, administrator Marg Hooper, operations manager Martin Potts and administration assistant Rachel Harrison.

Communication is the key Buildtech Holdings works hard to ensure each earthquake repair job is handled sensitively, with good paths of communication with home owners. “We go into people’s homes but they haven’t chosen us, and they’re frazzled from the earthquakes,” says Cooper.

“We find that as much as it’s a physical restoration of their home, it’s also a mental journey of going through the process. It’s very sensitive work and we’ve been mindful of that from day one.”

Buildtech has employed liaison staff specifically to work with home owners and keep them informed of the repair process.

“A lot of people just want to talk through things as they’ve never dealt with builders

before. The rules around earthquake repairs are complex. My father and I understand there’s a culture in the industry where builders are good at their jobs but not good at communicating. Our liaison staff act as a point of contact for home owners.”

Keeping workplaces safe Another big area of concern for Buildtech Holdings is to ensure all earthquake repair jobs are completed as safely as possible.

“We have a fulltime health and safety officer.

We’re all about prevention,” Cooper says. “It’s very different work to building a new home because you have the home owner inside the house while the work is being done. Safety is really important for us.”

“

We have a fulltime health and safety officer. We’re all about prevention, it’s very different work to building a new home because you have the home owner inside the house while the work is being done. Safety is really important for us.

- Israel Cooper

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Property & Construction | Buildtech Holdings

Adhering to the code Cooper says construction methods have not changed much, in spite of the earthquakes.

wood and steel framing, while brick and block will not be used as much.”

“Construction standards have not yet changed as much as people think. The building code before the earthquakes was pretty robust.

Buildings that were pre-1980s have suffered the most, as well as those that were built on swamps,” he says.

Cooper also believes people will stop using plasterboard, due to excessive cracking.

“If you’re in the green-blue zone your piles may go a lot deeper, but other than that, construction methods and materials are not a lot different. But people are going to go for

“There will be a whole lot of things like that but I think building methods in Christchurch, and the building code, are robust. The Department of Building and Housing will release some changes to the code late February to cope with known earthquake prone areas.”

Health and safety manager Olga Zaytseva.

Gearing up for the commercial sector comeback Rebuilding Christchurch’s commercial industry is something Buildtech Holdings can’t wait to get its teeth into.

Managing director Israel Cooper says the company is already undertaking earthquake repair work on commercial buildings, including schools.

However, he’s looking forward to starting on new commercial builds to replace commercial buildings destroyed or demolished due to the earthquakes.

“New commercial buildings won’t start until the middle of this year, so it will be commercial repair work for the next few months,” Cooper says.

Buildtech is committed to employing Cantabrians as a first priority.

“People feel more comfortable with locals for From left: site supervisor Craig McConnell, operations manager Martin Potts and site supervisor Dale Idiens. their residential repair work,” he says.

“The big thing on the commercial side is recruiting people. We’ve exhausted Christchurch and New Zealand and we’re now looking for ex-pats overseas.”

The December 23 aftershocks should not slow the rebuild of Christchurch down, according to Buildtech Holdings managing director Israel Cooper.

“We’ve already identified the bad land and we know what engineering and construction needs to be done,” he says.

Buildtech has its first major residential rebuilds underway, which include a large house in Cashmere and another in Tai Tapu.

“That’s a trickle of the flood that’s coming this year, so recruitment for that is going to be quite important.”

“I don’t think the aftershocks on December 23 will slow the rebuild much with insurance companies. We don’t think it will faze them.

Insurers are putting in high excesses and we’re building on good land with good buildings. The onus is on us now.”

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 65

Property & Consrtuction | Buildtech Holdings

Bringing experience to the table

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OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday - 7am to 5pm Christchurch 19 Lismore Street Christchurch (03) 365 7607

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Buildtech Holdings is committed to Christchurch for the long term, with its owners coming from a large and proud Christchurch family.

Buildtech was only formed in April last year but its owners, the Cooper family, have extensive experience within the building market. The Coopers are from Christchurch and have a great love for their city.

General manager Phil Cooper was originally a qualified builder and cabinet maker who has spent 30 years in the manufacturing and construction industries. He has developed and managed a number of businesses throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Phil’s son, managing director Israel Cooper, is a specialist in finance, business economics

Israel Cooper says this broad range of experience brings a different perspective to the construction company.

“Repairing all these houses requires quite a business focus for us. This perspective is about recovery from disaster.”

He says the past few months have been spent developing Buildtech’s infrastructure and management team.

“We have the corporate structure and the team in place now. The delay with the rebuild was a bit of a blessing in disguise because it allowed us to get in the position where we can tackle the rebuild head on.”

Giving back to the city

Here’s how $4 million will start making a difference in Canterbury.

• Bathroom makeovers, big and small • Kitchen renovations and makeovers • Repairs to rotten timber, windows and exterior

• Roof repairs • Plumbing repairs • Repairs to water damaged homes • Replacing timber joinery with new aluminium • All interior and exterior painting work • Wallpaper hanging • Decks, fencing and landscaping.

• Any EQC approved earthquake repair work.

rebuild is underway. I think in a year’s time there will be an acceleration in a major way.”

On December 24, Buildtech delivered nearly a tonne of cherries to people shovelling liquefaction in the eastern suburbs.

Buildtech Holdings Limited 34 Brisbane Street Sydenham Christchurch 8023 T (03) 550 0462 E info@buildtech.co.nz www.buildtech.co.nz

“Companies like ours are going to grow and grow and accelerate the rebuild process.

There’s been a lot of negativity about CERA but there are elements of a plan in place and the

Rawhiti Community Sports Inc. Shirley Tennis Club Inc. Shoreline Youth Trust South New Brighton Tennis Club Southern Ballet Theatre Trust St Albans Community Preschool St John of God Hauora Trust (St John of God Waipuna) The Elmwood Club The Muse Community Music Trust University of Canterbury JUNIOR Athletic Club Waimairi Surf Lifesaving Club West Spreydon School Pool Committee White Elephant Trust Youth Alive Trust Youthline Central South Island

Vodafone New Zealand Foundation Canterbury Fund VDO4291

66 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

• New builds to plan

“We’re not just trying to profiteer from the disaster. For us, giving back to the community is really important,” Cooper says.

“Things like that help care for people’s spirits.

We’ve done other initiatives and we’re putting back into the community to get Christchurch back on its feet,” says Cooper.

Successful projects Korowai Youth Well-Being Trust Lancaster Park Cricket Club Lifepaths Charitable Trust Lyttelton Harbour Basin Youth Council Lyttelton Tennis Club Mt Pleasant Memorial Community Centre and Residents Association Inc. New Zealand Historic Places Trust Nga Maata Waka Outrigger Canoe Club Nomads United AFC Inc. North Canterbury Rugby League Club Inc. O’Neill School of Irish Dance PTA Inc. Opawa Lawn Tennis Club Inc. Otautahi Netball Phoenix Venturer Unit Project Esther Rata Counselling Centre

Buildtech Holdings offers a wide range of services to cover any project, big or small. These include:

Buildtech is not in business to make a quick dollar, but instead has a holistic approach to its role in the Christchurch community.

Thanks to everyone who sent us inspiring ideas for how the $4 million Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund could be put to good use. To learn about the projects that will be underway soon, visit foundation.vodafone.co.nz

180 Degrees Trust Albion Softball Club Belfast Community Network Big Brothers Big Sisters of Christchurch CanTeen Canterbury Canterbury Community Sailing Trust Canterbury Repertory Theatre Society Catholic Social Services Christchurch CHART (The Christchurch Music Industry Trust) Chisnallwood Intermediate School Christchurch Football Club Community Development Network Trust Community Law Canterbury Crossroads Youth with a Future Depression Support Network Habitat for Humanity Kaiapoi BMX Club Inc.

and corporate strategy, and oversees the company’s financial and administration business.

Fact file:

— Advertising Feature

Canterbury gets New Zealand’s largest solar subdivision Canterbury New Zealand’s largest solar subdivision is on its way to Canterbury, supplying home owners with about a quarter of a typical home’s energy needs.

Maxim Projects Ltd, one of Canterbury’s developers leading the rebuilding of Christchurch, today announced a new partnership with Meridian Energy and SolarCity to build New Zealand’s largest subdivision utilising solar energy.

The solar installations will be made available as standard for each new home constructed

by Maxim at its 2,200 section Highfield subdivision in northwest Christchurch.

Additionally, solar installations will be available across Maxim’s full 3,500 lot property portfolio, the company confirms.

Each solar installation will provide around a quarter of a typical home’s energy needs.

Maxim Projects director Roy Hamilton says, “Our developments are already some of the first in New Zealand to carry the government’s LifeMark credentials and our homes will now be built with electricity supplied by Meridian (New Zealand’s largest renewable energy generator) and will be the first to be fitted with the latest in solar technology.”

SolarCity CEO Andrew Booth says homeowners will see massive benefits of these new solar systems, as they will provide at least one quarter of the power needed to run their homes

“The solar across Maxim’s developments will showcase the important role solar will play in rebuilding a more sustainable future for Canterbury. It’s fantastic that such a progressive and world class development leads the way, powered by 21st Century energy.

“Solar is one of the fastest growing energy technologies in the world, simply because it is clean, reliable and a readily available alternative to fossil fuels. The systems will also allow power to be fed back into the grid, further reducing the daily running of their properties.”

Local Christchurch firm EnaSolar will be manufacturing the solar inverters used in the solar technology solution in the Maxim Project development.

EnaSolar managing director Gary Foot says the initiative is one of genuine vision.

“A project of this scale will clearly become the benchmark for the building industry and consumers alike wishing to adopt solar energy, not just in Christchurch but throughout New Zealand.

“The Canterbury rebuild is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate that companies like ours are ready, willing and able to offer the professional support that is required for commercial and consumer domestic renewable solutions. And with the need to support local employment and local projects such as the Highfield development, our business is geared to supply the demand.”

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 67

Initiatives | Radio Network

The Radio Network’s

new home

Radio has always had a place in people’s lives.

Whether it’s a need to hear news and information, hit music, old school rock music or even a cricket commentary – the Christchurch radio audience has been well served for years with the diverse range of stations at The Radio Network.

The stations include Newstalk ZB 100.1FM, Classic Hits 97.7, ZM 91.3, Hauraki 106.5FM, Coast 1593AM and Radio Sport 1503AM. Up until February 22nd the company operated from its CBD offices but, like everything else in Christchurch, life changed at 12:51pm that day.

“We were all on the 7th and 8th floor of our building at 155 Worcester Street on the 22nd February,” remembers Radio Network operations manager Tim Dyer.

GREAT TO HAVE BEEN THE HOST TO RADIO NETWORK FOR THE LAST 9 & 1/2 MONTHS.

“It was pretty unnerving standing in Latimer Square looking at the two guys going into the building with the strong and frequent aftershocks; we had to comfort one of their wives while he was still up there.”

Despite the pandemonium around them, the Radio Network sprung into action. All six station frequencies were switched to broadcast Newstalk ZB, and from Auckland the show crossed live to the Christchurch journalists giving updates from across the city.

“It was just a normal day until 12.51pm. All the staff were there - we saw our internal security camera footage later and it was pretty horrific, but everybody got out safely.

We all met in Latimer Square and had a stocktake of staff.

“The journalists were immediately working, the newsroom was pretty amazing. The most amazing story for me was of the engineering operations manager who was on a plane to Auckland during the quake. He landed in Auckland, found out what had happened, got straight back on the plane with a colleague and flew to Dunedin, landing late at night.

“The worst part was some of the engineers had to go back in the building immediately after because we’re the civil defence station and have an obligation to provide coverage in an emergency - this was the first real test for us.

“They assembled any gear they could and then drove to Christchurch arriving at 4am.

At this stage we set up temporary camp at the Copthorne Commodore on Memorial Ave and they had us back on air locally from Christchurch the next day.”

As the quakes went on, all stations came back on air and the journalists continued to keep people updated. The head office in Auckland also sprang into action, building all the gear

the Radio Network needed for the long term.

“We stayed at the Copthorne Commodore on Memorial Avenue for a month then secured the Riccarton Motor Lodge, operating from there until early December. We had between five to nine rooms from March to December, and although they were very accommodating, it wasn’t ideal from an operational point of view.

“We had all sorts of issues such as the snow stopping us from getting the signal through the trees – but the engineering guys did an amazing job not only getting us on-air, but keeping us on air!

“But because we knew the Worcester Street building was red zoned right from the start, we started looking for a place straight away. It was a bit of a land grab, everyone was looking.”

Something old, something new A year on from the earthquake and the whole Radio Network team is back together in a converted warehouse in Middleton. Although you’d never know the structure’s industrial history if you looked inside.

The fit-out, done by design and build company Element 17 has transformed the building into a bright, creative and modern space.

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Initiatives | Radio Network “Element 17 came on board and did a lot of research to find out what a radio station in 2012 needed to operate,” Dyer says. “We moved in just before Christmas, completely on time.”

“Already you can see how happy we are. This is the first time the staff has been together in a year, we’ve been fractured for so long. It’s been pretty amazing. To finish it on time was an absolute thrill because there’s nothing better then saying to staff we’ll be there for 2012.

“We had a rough enough year in 2011 that we didn’t want to drag it out any longer, we said we wanted to be in here by Christmas and we were. We’ve got our feet under the desks and we now know this is our new environment.

doors that seal up properly, lined with double sheets of gib, acoustic windows and other forms of noise control. Boardrooms, office suites, an IT and broadcasting complex were all part of the fitout. Element 17 also painted the building externally and internally and landscaped the outside.

Rosling says while it was a difficult job, working with the Radio Network was a lot of fun.

“The Radio Network are very passionate about their people, they work crazy hours so it was important to them they had great amenities. I think we’ve made a space the team can work from very happily.

“Everyone’s done incredible work to get it done in nine months!

We’re very impressed!”

“The staff can’t get over how spacious it is, we were working in silos at the motel and there wasn’t room for much movement or interaction! Newstalk ZB’s host Mike Yardley was sitting next to his producer and people were complaining, saying ‘we can hear talking in the background’ - that was the producer trying to take calls! They were packed in like sardines.”

A long lease has been signed and with the building properly kitted out, it’s unlikely the Radio Network will be moving any time soon.

Dyer is pleased with Element 17 and the tradesmen’s work on the building.

“Everyone’s done incredible work to get it done in nine months! We’re very impressed!”

Element 17’s founder and design director Steve Rosling says the team enjoyed the challenging job.

Transforming a warehouse into radio studios was no easy task. Element 17 created firstclass sound studios by putting in solid core

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 69

Initiatives | Radio Network “They’ve treated everyone, us and the all the tradesmen, with real respect.”

Looking ahead Despite the upheaval of the past year and a half, the Radio Network’s listening audience has remained loyal, and even grown.

“We recently had our first radio survey in two years – September 2010 got cancelled, so did February 2011, because of the quakes,” Dyer says.

“So we recently had our first real snapshot of where we are – due to the last 12 months Newstalk had a great survey result. As far as radio listening goes, people will continue to seek the news and information which affects them and we are confident that Newstalk ZB on 100.1FM will retain its dominant position.

We’re doing well with sales too; recruiting three new sales people in recent months.”

Looking to the years ahead, Dyer says the Radio Network has a bright future.

“We’re revamping our online presence – our digital division is one of our fastest growing areas. Not only are we in a fully digital state of the art building now, we are also proudly ‘multimedia’ with six radio stations, revamped websites, podcasts, and also a recently released range of Smartphone Apps for our stations! This ensures that we are providing up to date content that connects with our audiences when it suits them. It’s an exciting time.”

The Radio Network 15 Midas Place Middleton Christchurch T (03) 363 3569 F (03) 363 3570 www.theradionetwork.co.nz

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Inspired by design Rebuilding Christchurch is one of the greatest challenges our country has ever faced.

But it’s one Element 17 is keen to be part of.

Started by industrial design qualified Steve Rosling nearly eight years ago, Element 17 made a name for itself working on various build and fit-outs around the city. This hard work has continued over the past year, with the Element 17 team helping its previous clients fit-out their new buildings.

“Element 17 is design and build. We manage every aspect of the project, developing the design concept and working drawings and then passing these over to our in-house project managers to manage the physical on-site development,” explains founder and design director, Steve Rosling.

“I’m very into the whole turnkey operation.

For the customer it’s perfect as there’s only one entity managing the whole thing - us.

For us, it means you’ve always got access to the people who have made the choices on the plans, and I find there’s a better understanding between the designers and project managers if they’re in-house together.

“We can get input from a building perspective very early on so we don’t make any silly decisions. It also means that if some design decisions need to be made on the way, then that can happen all at the same time.”

Element 17’s list of recent projects reads like a list of iconic Christchurch businesses getting back on their feet.

“We’ve helped out with some planning for law firm Saunders Robinson and Brown, and we’re helping Winnie Bagoes on their journey

to find a space. We’ve put in an Underground café in Sumner and we’re talking with Twisted Hop, trying to get them sorted out.

Rosling has high hopes for the future of Christchurch and wants the rebuild to be a successful one.

“Recently, we helped a business construct a container bar on Victoria Street. It is temporary and will be up for a 12-18 month period. That was a blank canvas on Thursday morning and by Friday night they were serving the public. Lots of places need offices re-fitted for the next five years as they work from temporary spots.”

“In Foreign Policy magazine, Christchurch was recently noted as one of 10 cities to watch, I think that’s pretty exciting. There will be a lot of exciting opportunities; I think people will be catching that wave and getting involved.

Element 17 was also the design and build company behind the Radio Network’s fitout.

Turning a warehouse into a modern office building with infrastructure for great radio to be made was no easy task.

“It was a massive undertaking,” Rosling says. “It was really a warehouse, so turning it into a nice warm office environment had its own challenges. But the Radio Network is really impressed with it; they love the colours and finishes. It’s a lovely nice modern environment and a great utilisation of space.”

Element 17 has chosen to stay in their central city office, just on the corner of the red zone on Lichfield Street. The team has a view of buildings being demolished and the blank canvas that has become our CBD.

“At Element 17, we think the green environmental aspect will be very important, landlords will end up competing for tenants so things like energy efficiency will be important.

Two of my staff are certified Greenstar practitioners.

“It’s a bit more costly, so there’s still going to be that leap of faith for people to spend some more money to gain it, but that’s definitely something we need to look at as a city that could be hugely advantageous to us as a whole. I think in 10 years time it would be nice to see an energy filled, different, creative city.

“And we really want to be a company that helps people rebuild, that helps the decision makers come back to the city centre and thrive here.”

“We’ve been watching the city coming down this past year. I could have relocated but I chose to come back and be part of it and be involved day to day.”

A young company with many years of experience in achieving successful solutions in: • Hospitality Design • Commercial & Retail Refurbishment • Design Management • Design & Draughting • 3D CAD visualisation • Feasibility Studies • Project Management • Cost Planning • Project Programming • Construction Management

Element 17 Limited Level 1-157 Lichfield St PO Box 1275, Christchurch Tel: 03 366 5532 Email: info@element17.co.nz www.element17.co.nz www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 71

Initatives | Acardo

The workplace safety store on wheels Health and safety regulations; they’ve been blamed for everything from unflattering fluorescent outfits to banning school fruit because of dangerous pips. But love them or loathe them, they’re here to stay. So Peter Gillman has gone some way to making them a much easier, efficient and enjoyable experience, by taking the tools to the trades.

Determined to make the entire process easier for businesses from small to large, Gillman designed a workplace safety store on wheels. “The point of difference that has made us so successful is that we are not just a delivery service. We are a well stocked retail outlet, just on wheels,” he adds.

“We are able to visit our customers at the workplace, make sales, complete payment transactions and provide the products there and then.”

Bringing customer service out from behind the store front and taking it to the construction site, factory floor, tradesman’s yard and wherever else safety equipment and safety apparel was required or desirable, met with immediate success. The striking Acardo vehicles were deliberately designed to reflect the company’s professional approach. “The on-board fit out is the result of years of trial and development to ensure that franchisees are carrying the right stock, no matter what type of industry they’re

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visiting. The bonus is that because most workplace safety equipment and apparel is relatively compact, most stock requirements can be kept in the van.”

Gillman established Acardo under its original moniker Workplace Safety Supplies in Christchurch 14 years ago. Formerly a member of the Fire Service at Christchurch Airport he was acutely aware of the importance of workplace safety but also recognised that, for many businesses, accessing the right equipment wasn’t as easy as it could be.

Fast fleet Before long Gillman’s single van had become a fleet, customer numbers had hit the thousands and he had more than 100 suppliers of everything from hard hats to safety boots, including many of the best known brands in the business. To complement the vans, Acardo has a premise

at 235 Waltham Road, to service the city and eastern suburbs.

“This taste of business success and my interest in workplace safety led me to buy a small first aid supplies business where I pretty much did the selling out of a couple of suitcases.

“It wasn’t long before I was full time, added workplace safety equipment and apparel to my product range, bought a van and realised I was doing something quite different from other safety supplies businesses. I was taking stock to customers, and there and then making the sale and delivering the product.”

The change from Workplace Safety Supplies to Acardo represents the positive direction it is heading in. “We’ve shifted up a gear to take our special brand of service, experience and extensive product range to the whole of New Zealand.”

Initatives | Acardo

This is much more than a motto or advertising slogan. It succinctly states what separates and differentiates Acardo from others competing in the workplace safety equipment and apparel market. It also underlines the proven success of the Acardo business model.

Acardo

supplies:

“Awareness of health and safety issues is pretty high these days,” Gillman explains.

“Almost every business and professional practice is under some form of legislated health and safety obligation these days – even accountants’ offices need a first aid kit – which goes some way to describe the importance and potential of Acardo.”

From just the one store and warehouse on wheels Acardo now operates an entire fleet, has gone from supplying a few product lines to hundreds of the top brands.

Safety footwear, vests and gloves, overalls, workboots and dust masks, eye and ear protection, hard hats, first aid kits, respiratory protection, you name it, Acardo has it. And if it doesn’t, they’ll get it as part of the company’s commitment to being a single source supplier.

While it was some 14 years ago that Acardo quite literally hit the road as New Zealand’s first personal protective equipment and apparel store and warehouse on wheels, the company’s passion and dedication has allowed it to stay at the top of its game.

Industrial revolution According to a government report released last year, about 9,500 incidents are reported to the Department of Labour annually. In the 12 months prior to the report’s release there were 85 deaths, 445 serious non-fatal injuries and 30,800 ACC entitlement claims.

New Zealand’s rate of workplace deaths continues to be higher than other OECD countries. Industry sectors with consistently high levels of work-related injuries are construction, agriculture, forestry, fishing and manufacturing.

The Pike River mine disaster, attacks on ACC, a 40 percent reduction in the number of health and safety inspectors during the last 20 years, recent reductions of senior health and safety personnel roles in the Labour Department and reduced health and safety representative training funding all adds up to increased risk for workers.

Almost two years ago, July 2010, the Hon Kate Wilkinson, Minister of Labour, released the ‘Workplace Health And Safety Strategy For New Zealand To 2015’ as an action agenda designed to lift New Zealand’s failing workplace health and safety performance.

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Earlier that same year ACC Minister Nick Smith instigated significant ACC changes which saw levies raised and many entitlements reduced. In July the minister announced that on April 1, 2011 there would be discounts on ACC levies for businesses with good safety records.

The message from Wellington couldn’t be more direct; employers and the selfemployed must be prepared to invest in effective workplace safety equipment and apparel or face the consequences. For Acardo’s Peter Gillman these announcements could not have been more timely, supporting the expenditure and capital investment made transforming his successful Christchurch-based workplace safety supplies business into a national franchise system.

“While current political focus is on workplace health and safety, the fact is since the passing of the Health and Safety in Employment Act in 1992, purchasing workplace safety equipment and apparel has long been required by law. It’s no exaggeration to say we are an industry with sales supported by legislation,” Acardo managing director Peter Gillman explains.

The company’s online store is in itself indicative of its commitment to national growth. Wherever you are in New Zealand Acardo’s secure online store for personal protective equipment and apparel puts you just a courier delivery away. A hard copy catalogue is also available to order from the website, from which you can make telephone or online orders.

Acardo Workplace Safety Supplies 235 Waltham Road Christchurch T (03) 366 6066 E peter@workplacesafety.net.nz www.workplacesafety.net.nz — Advertising Feature

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Initiatives | Interior Flair

A LITTLE FLAIR FOR THE

BIG DAY

In the modern marketplace, new businesses aren’t just thrown together on a whim and a prayer. They can often be the culmination of years of market research, planning and strategic investment.

Venture capitalists join forces with expensive consultants and combine ideas based on years of experience – all in the name of profit.

But there’s something special about the Kiwi business that started from home; it begins with an individual and an idea - before it takes off – all in the name of passion.

It’s the story of Interior Flair which started life some 15 years ago when Lynn McKinney began arranging artificial flowers from home.

“I was going to all the shows; Home and Garden, Women’s Lifestyle Expo and upmarket flower shows like Ellerslie. I was hiring space in Northlands Mall for Mothers’ Day and Christmas, doing artificial flowers, when a lady and her daughter from Tauranga asked if I would do wedding flowers. The daughter was getting married in Fiji and they weren’t able to take fresh flowers.”

There was no turning back and the wedding business was born. But it is far from just flowers.

McKinney began selling wedding flowers and products online and before long had moved into wedding hire. “By that stage I needed a premise. Getting a premise was driven solely by need and since then the business has just continued to grow.”

That premise was on Lincoln Road, until seismic activity forced the move to 393 Main South Road in the Branston Shopping Centre.

“We lost our shop in February however, it has had a silver lining for us as we are very happy

with our new location. We are now placed between the Clock Tower and the traffic lights opposite Dress Mart. We have a nice big sign out the front and carparking is no longer and issue for us with lots of parks out the front of the shops.”

Today Interior Flair offers a diverse and varied range of wedding bouquets and accessories, both for purchase and for hire; from wishing wells and table runners, to candles and guest books. “We pretty much do everything for a wedding other than dress making,” she laughs. “We have aimed to make this a one stop shop.”

In fact, Interior Flair also supplies wedding gifts and, well, any gifts. Virtually split into two, the shop contains giftware for just about everyone and every occasion, including women’s accessories, clothing, home wares, ornaments, wall art and fragrances. It looks stunning and smells even better, the atmosphere is warm and friendly and you can’t help but venture in as you attempt to walk past.

“I’ve always done flowers; it’s just something I’ve always been drawn to. With artificial flowers they can go New Zealand wide, you can get them prior to the wedding so there’s no stress on the wedding day, they photograph really well and last for ages.

Some of the products available in Interior Flair

“Every year they are gaining popularity and at any given time we have numerous orders.”

While the wedding and gift industries are competitive, McKinney has found her own niche market. “No one does exactly what we do in terms of a one stop shop, with wedding supplies and gifts in the one location.

“The online community is even more competitive, so we have to keep prices competitive, but it has allowed us to diversify

into other sales outlets such as Trade Me,” she says, where the company trades under the username Pynn.

“The hire industry is pretty competitive, however we all tend to focus on different products, which is good. I tend to focus on the finishing touches – the pretties.”

The company’s price point has a lot to do with its success, she suspects. “We are a one stop shop, so we save people a lot of running

Proudly Supporting Lyn and the Team at Interior Flair For specialist advice in commercial and rural insurance “We are pleased to be associated with Interior Flair”.

Phone: (03) 313 6086 2/130 Percival Street, Rangiora www.icfrith.co.nz 74 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

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Initiatives | Interior Flair

“I’m just so passionate about what we do here. It’s a wonderful career to be in and we have such a happy time...”

around for things. We are constantly changing products to keep things fresh. Presentation is also huge; we have a table set up so people can have a play around, put together table designs for ideas.

“But the real key is having great staff on board; we have warm staff members who people are quite happy to talk to and bounce ideas off – that makes a huge difference.”

McKinney has three staff members, plus herself and is looking to take on another part time retail assistant to cope with growth.

products in for us, which is fantastic because in terms of numbers we are a small country and we are competing against companies in the States who are ordering thousands of things, yet our suppliers are still able to source what we want and need.”

McKinney is passionate about what she does and even though there’s the occasional bridezilla, she wouldn’t change it for the world.

“I’m just so passionate about what we do here. It’s a wonderful career to be in and we have such a happy time. You get “We look for creative people that have been the occasional bride who is under a lot of in a strong retail position for a number of year. stress, but the final outcome makes it all They must know how to interact with people worthwhile.” genuinely and just have a real feel for design or creativity. While they don’t need to be a florist, they do need to be teachable.”

Interior Flair 393 Main South Road Staff members are highly knowledgeable and Hornby can give as much free advice as you require.

Christchurch “We are happy for people to come in as T (03) 349 4713 often as they need to, whether they change E interflair@slingshot.co.nz their designs or just want to talk things over; www.interiorflairgifts.co.nz things don’t always pan out and we want our customers to know they can come in and — Advertising Feature change their minds as often as they want until they are completely satisfied with their designs.”

They all keep an eye on the latest trends in weddings to ensure they can keep their clients up to date. “There’s still a real variety in trends at the moment, so we’re not struggling to hire anything out. Fish bowls are particularly popular at the moment, as is the five arm candelabra we stock.

“We source a wide range of different fabrics for chair sashes, but even the colour trends are wide and varied at the moment, although the classic black and white theme has been popular this year.

“We are continually sourcing new products and talking to suppliers. We have exceptional suppliers who will do their best to get specific

Keith Yardley & Associates Limited Chartered Accountants

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For a business person, there’s nothing more frustrating than not being able to access the internet or having IT issues.

Whether it’s sending an important email or updating your website with urgent information - fast and high quality wireless communication systems are one of the most important tools we work with today.

Too often businesses lose big sales and or productivity because their wireless technology isn’t working properly. And that’s exactly where Christchurch-based business the WiFi Guys steps in.

“I love being a problem-solver,” owner Matt Wilson says.

“I like to push boundaries of technology– I want to be the under dog coming up with better technical ideas than the big teleco. I love talking to businesses who say they have a tricky situation, trying to improve reliability or they want more bandwith.”

Solving technical problems is what The WiFi Guys thrives on. Take one of its main services, point to point links. This term, the most searched for wireless term on Google, is when wireless connects several different areas instead of a cable.

“Companies will get a big teleco to wire one office to another across the road – that can cost them hundreds, up to thousands a month.

“I can provide a point-to-point link that will often pay itself off often within a year. It also creates a faster network, sometimes up to 20 times faster. All sorts of companies use it; in Christchurch’s recent environment when companies need to set up in several different buildings, I can bond networks together rather than relying on cable infrastructure which may not be there. Wireless can be deployed very quickly and cheaply with today’s advances in technology.

“Point-to-point mainly requires line of site.

Concrete walls will test any wireless system, but I enjoy a challenge and love making things work – managers are busy people, it’s my job, not the businesses, to think those things through.”

In the rural sector, The Wifi Guys are hard at work. They can create point to point links for industrial services or can supply and install mini-repeaters for access to systems all over a rural property to ensure constant access.

“Cow sheds now have systems which interact with the internet. I describe the installed point-to-point links as like building new roads – internet is just one vehicle of traffic that can be used on these roads, farmers can then put in IP security cameras to alert monitoring systems. Once point-to-point is in you can do everything – in my opinion, this is the future over the next decade.”

As an example on how The WiFi Guys thrive on a challenge, the team recently set up high quality fast wireless for the Mt Hutt lodge in the Rakia Gorge.

“They couldn’t get anyone to adequately help them, but we managed to do it,” Wilson says.

“They needed internet for guests and their long-term clients and now they can access true broadband internet which is better than what some DSL customers have in town.”

Wilson is also passionate about Wireless Fibre POPs (Point-of-Presence) for businesses that when fibre coverage is extended by putting up antennas. He currently use’s this technique over Christchurch, and is also upgrading from DSL to Fibre supplied broadband for the Ashburton district this year - including the hard to reach lakes area.

“That has changed people’s lives that live out there. That’s one of the things I love, customer satisfaction is so important to me, I love doing what most other internet companies can’t.

“Rural people often don’t get good internet access – but these systems will blow some of the internet systems in town out of the water.”

Back in the city, the WiFi Guys has been hard at work on a number of projects. Recently,

the team created blanket coverage for Casebrook Intermediate and Avonhead Schools. The team created 12 access points at each location controlled by live monitoring software.

Wilson feels people find it hard to understand wireless because it isn’t tangible.

“Cables are easy to understand, you plug something in and it works, so that’s why I use software to help turn wireless into an image. For Casebrook and Avonhead schools, the software clearly shows a map on a screen of the school and the location of each WiFi Access Point.

If there’s an error the Access Point will come up in red showing exactly where the error is. “The software also tells the school how much data is being used, what Mac address uses the most.

If the WiFi Access Point cable is cut and goes offline, it can be remotely configured to act as a wireless repeater.”

Wilson’s feet have just touched the ground after the past year; he’s been busy setting up wireless connections for EQC/Fletchers and other businesses requiring a higher performance than DSL. His high skill level is so in-demand that in 2011 he was flown to San Diego to set up wireless solution for Animation Research Limited at the America’s Cup, test running streaming data to spectator boats, enabling them to watch the action on their screens.

“It was very interesting to watch the behaviour of 5GHz microwave equipment next to a US Navy Base.”

With only a small team, its surprising The Wifi Guys has tackled so many important projects for both the public and private sector. Wilson puts the company’s success down to his attitude.

“I really believe there’s no such thing as can’t been done, there’s always a solution. I think outside the square and guarantee my products and services.”

WiFi Guys - 0800 213 480

76 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

PERFECT PRODUCTS

for a city on the mend Twelve months on from the February earthquake and in both the business sector and residentially, we live very different lives than we did before our world was shaken up.

The part infrastructure –particularly the basics such as water supply and sewage - plays in our lives has never been so important. Not only immediately after the earthquakes, but as we look to the future and rebuild. And that’s where two of Jim Barlow’s businesses, Devan Plastics Ltd and Superloo Sanitation Ltd, step in.

Superloo Sanitation Ltd Until the earthquakes, Cantabrians only used port-a-loos at outdoor events such as concerts. How times have changed. For weeks after the September and February earthquakes, port-a-loos were used all over the city and in some areas are still there.

Jim Barlow says his business Superloo Sanitation Ltd has been supplying portable toilets to the city since September 2010, an experience he describes as humbling.

“We have been very intimately involved with the people of Christchurch, it’s been a very humbling experience for our guys out in the field all day everyday seeing what the people of Christchurch have had to put up with.

“Our guys have been given gifts and verbal acknowledgements of how grateful people are, and that they have made the experience as pleasant as anyone could hope for under the circumstances.

Portable toilets will be in hot demand over the next few years as the rebuild begins, with construction sites everywhere needing them as the city gets back on its feet again. Barlow says Superloo, which is the only national specialty portable toilet services provider, has developed a strong client base in Christchurch” “We’re still providing the Civil Defence toilets and are already supplying some of the construction and home building industry – but we’re interested in the next stage of development.

“For both Devan Plastics and for Superloo, a big part of our business is going forward and helping in the rebuild in whatever way we can. We want to play our part in making Christchurch a great city again.”

Superloo Sanitation Ltd 0800 500 205 | E enquiries@superloo.co.nz | W www.superloo.co.nz

Devan Plastics Devan Plastics is the nationwide market leader in the manufacture of rotationally moulded water storage tanks and underground waste water treatment systems, as well as a host of other products it manufactures and markets itself.

Additionally, a growing part of the business is the design and manufacture of new products on contract for a wide range of customers.

The importance of having drinking water stored away was highlighted to us during the earthquakes, and that’s why Devan Plastics believes its Slimline tank, for the urban residential market, will add value for Christchurch people over the coming years.

“Slimline is a small tank, only a thousand litres and it’s scalable – it’s tall and narrow so it can be hidden well out of sight.

You can line them up side by side to give to you as much storage as you need without them being overly visually obvious,” Barlow says.

A Slimline tank is perfect for people who are suffering from water use restrictions, or for those wanting to be prepared if another crisis hits.

“In an emergency like an earthquake when thousands needed water, having a few weeks’ worth of water is crucial. Our tanks are made from food grade plastic so they can be used for drinking water as well as for all other household requirements.”

There’s also the sustainable aspect to the tanks that customers appreciate. The tanks take the rainwater that falls onto people’s rooftops, meaning the tanks are self-replenishing and environmentally friendly.

Devan Plastics 0800 5000 26 | E info@devan.co.nz | W www.devan.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 77

When only the best will do With youthful enthusiasm on his side Chris Heaps knows how to work out what is best for you and your home, and he knows the properties and homes of Canterbury.

If you want a job done, you call a professional, if you want a job done well, you call the best. With youthful enthusiasm and irrepressible determination on his side, Chris Heaps offers the very best in exceptional professionalism and commitment.

With a passion for the outdoors and a desire to deliver exemplary customer service, Chris started his own aborist business five years ago, quickly directing the company to its peak with a staff of three skilled professionals under his supervision and, through repeat business and recurrent positive word-of-mouth, managed to help multitudes of happy clients achieve their goals.

His history as a project manager for a local construction firm at a young age also presents the kind of expertise and capability that Chris brings to the table. His savvy business acumen and relaxed approachability traverses easily into real estate, where his strengths, attention to detail and outstanding communication skills have seen him rise very quickly to the top of the ranks of Harcourts Phoenix’s most consistent performers.

Already a proven consultant and a star who continues to rise, Chris is a first-rate negotiator and a master of person-to-person networking with a staggering grasp of technology only a ‘Generation Y’er could claim.

Combining time-honoured traditional service with a new school method of sales approach to obtain outstanding results and to deliver consummate satisfaction, Chris is the consultant you go to when only the best will do.

Ask for HEAPS and you’ll get a LOT Chris Heaps at Harcourts | 027 6743 277 | E chris.heaps@harcourts.co.nz

GOLD SILVER PLATINUM

www.kiwibullion.co.nz

Open 8am-10pm | 0508 GOLDNZ (0508 4653 69) | Mobile: 0276743277 | Avonhead, Christchurch | Email: info@kiwibullion.co.nz

Cashing in on currency

It’s a simple maths equation really. Inflation last year was about 4.1 percent, meaning your money in the bank isn’t earning you very much. It’s the same with the stock market.

On the New Zealand stock exchange in 2011 the highest stock gained eight percent - which after tax and inflation is actually half a percent of return.

“It’s pointless,” says Chris Heaps, manager of gold and silver trading company Kiwi Bullion. That’s why he sees his business as a real solution for investors looking for serious returns.

“Silver increased its value by 87 percent in the last two years and 250 percent in the last five years. Gold is around 133 percent. It’s not taxable and when you sell it, it’s cheap to do so. In essence it’s money.”

Kiwi Bullion aspires to be the bridge that connects the gap between buyers and sellers.

“It is difficult to have that personal relationship when you are buying offshore gold and silver. I like the personal approach, I like to sit down and meet with people, while other companies will just take the dollars,” Chris Heaps says.

“I think my point of difference is also in my delivery time – I can get it to you in two weeks while my competitors can take three to six so that’s a much shorter turnaround time. The other aspect is my prices. I haven’t seen cheaper prices at any of my competitors.”

If you want to see how investing in gold and silver will return real profits, call Chris today on 0508 4653 69.

Open 9am-5pm | 0508 GOLDNZ (0508 4653 69) | Avonhead, Christchurch | Email: info@kiwibullion.co.nz 78 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Initiatives | Presswork Products

Component making

that measures up Shaping steel and all manner of metals has underpinned the entire history of modern engineering.

Specifically shaped components are at the heart of all our engineering marvels and stock standard items we take for granted on a daily basis.

Presswork Products Ltd is a Christchurch custom sheet metal and pressing company that specialises in high quality tolerance work. It provides sheet metal pressing, welding, punching and folding services for manufacturers and for individuals who want items custom-made. Presswork Products uses a variety of metals and plastics, with your choice of finishing, including powder coating, plating and polishing.

The company makes a variety of products from the following materials: • steel • stainless steel • aluminium • brass • copper • phosphors bronze • plastics.

Presswork Products manufactures and fabricates from sheet metal, metal bar and coil utilising a full range of metal processing equipment. Presswork Products general manager, Colin Fraser says the company has the ability to do small one off jobs through to large volumes.

“We have a press shop with presses ranging from one tonne through to one hundred tonnes with the ability to add hitch feeders, straightening rolls and decoilers. We currently have two CNC turrent punches and a new turret due in April,” he says.

package and $35,000 dollars in new tooling arriving in with the new machine.

The turret is also environment friendly as it only uses the energy needed at the time of punching. This conserves energy and provides us with a low running cost.”

In 1989 the business operated with one staff member and 10 customers. “We have now grown to 19 staff and over 120 customers, supplying to customers in New Zealand and Australia. In 1999 the company was acquired by, and is now operated by, the Aotea Jones Group Limited, a South Island-based investment company,” Fraser says.

“In April 2002 Presswork Products purchased the press shop business of PDL Industries Ltd, which significantly increased the plant and capabilities. To further develop the capabilities we purchased GP Steel Limited in February 2003, which introduced computer-controlled punching and folding.”

Product development Presswork Products has a design engineer who can produce one-off prototypes, through to full production runs. “We assist you in the development of new products or to make changes to existing products. We work with you to help turn your idea into a working design and from the design stage to a reality,” Fraser says.

Presswork Products production planning allows a high degree of flexibility to achieve a mix of different sized production runs, jobbing work, samples and prototypes.

This new turret will give Presswork the ability “We can make any quantity from one to to turn jobs around faster, as it can punch full 50,000 - no job is too big or too small. We also sized sheets and at a speed three to five times assemble components into subassemblies faster than its current machines. or completed products. Our materials and “It has a brush table which eliminates components are sourced and purchased scratching on the under side of the sheets, from overseas, which brings you significant we also have a wilson wheel, a new software savings.”

Premises and equipment Presswork Products operates from modern premises with more than 1000 square metres of production area, which houses the following metal processing equipment:

• electronics • electrical

• Thirty Power Presses up to 100 tonnes • Four Press Brakes up to 60 tonnes with 2400mm folding lengths

Presswork Products Ltd supply products and components to a wide range of industries including:

• retail display • furniture

• Two guillotines with cut lengths up to 3000mm and 3mm thick

• shop fitting

• Wiedemann Centrum 1000 Turret Punch

• roofing

• Wiedemann Centrum 2000 Turret Punch

• catering

• Automated/computerised hitch feeders

• building

• Decoilers/strip straighteners

• equestrian.

• engineering

• Range of welding equipment • Range of hand-operated equipment.

Since 2003 Presswork Products has gone through a variety of changes. “We have been ISO accredited since 2007 and extensive quality systems have been put in place. We have a design engineer so we can produce one-off prototypes, through to full production runs.”

The people of Atlas Steels are driven by wanting to be our customers’ first choice in specialt y metals .

Presswork’s skilled staff works hard to provide a high quality service for every customer and ensure you are kept informed throughout the process. “Our key staff members are longserving and knowledgeable, which has helped to make Presswork Products the successful company it is today.”

Presswork Products Ltd 5 Tenahaun Place Middleton Christchurch T (03) 343 5151 F (03) 343 5166 www.presswork.co.nz

-Stainless Steel Sheet, Coil, Plate, Tube, Pipe, Fitting’s -Carbon Steel Tube, Pipe, Fitting’s -Aluminium Sheet, Plate & Treadplate -Stainless Steel Bar, Flats & Angles -Engineering Steel Bars -Carbon Sheet Galvanised, Electrogalvanised — Advertising Feature

17 Hammersmith Drive, Christchurch (between Haytons Rd and Wigram Rd) SOCKBURN 8042

Ph: (03) 977 9000 | Fax: (03) 977 9001 Email: nzsales@atlassteels.co.nz

PRESSWORK

PRODUCTS LIMITED

• Electronics • Electrical • Retail display • Furniture• Shop fitting • Engineering • Roofing • Catering • Building • Equestrian • Jewellery

We provide sheet metal pressing, welding, punching and folding services for manufacturers and for individuals who want items custom-made.

5 Tenahaun Place Middleton, Christchurch Ph: 03 343 5151 | Fax: +64 3 343 5166 www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 79

Hospitality | Columbus Coffee

Coffee for the connoisseur Coffee is the second most traded product in the world after petroleum with worldwide coffee production believed to tip the scales at about six million metric tonnes. But no matter its popularity, the ability to make it well is a skill which takes passion, dedication and commitment.

Ashburton’s Columbus Coffee must be doing something right – the south Canterbury coffee franchisee cranks out around 1500 cappaccinos, lattes, long blacks and the like on a good week.

In fact, the cafe has just had its passion, dedication and commitment awarded with a Franchisee of the Year award in the Food and Beverage category of the Westpac New Zealand Franchise Industry Awards evening, and then being awarded the Supreme Franchisees of the Year title, to go with their Best Cafe in the Ashburton Region commendation.

It’s been a busy time for the Heneys - in the last two years Nigel and Carmeena have got married, had two babies and purchased the Columbus Coffee store that Nigel was managing. But despite the workload, they certainly haven’t let their standards drop with the judges commenting that Columbus Coffee

Ashburton is achieving excellent business results as a result of commitment to customer service and quality product.

“We are very proud to get such a top honour. The competition was judged using a worldwide judging system, so there are very high standards.”

The Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards entries are independently evaluated and judged under the internationally recognised Baldrige criteria for business excellence and administered by the New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation.

Established in 2008, the Ashburton franchise played its cards right from square one, Nigel says. “We started off right from day one with lots of well-trained staff so we could deliver a fantastic product. Columbus itself gave great support and they had such a good name out there already – we’ve never looked back.”

He humbly brings the conversation back to the support networks of the franchise itself. In

awarding Columbus Coffee with the Westpac Supreme Franchise System of the Year Award, the awards judges said the company’s excellent application comprehensively addressed all criteria items and demonstrated highly effective work systems, coupled with very sound leadership.

A strong focus on exceeding customer expectations and effective performance management supported by a comprehensive suite of measures showed impressive levels of performance across all results areas.

While the franchise is undoubtedly a success, there is likely more to the company’s success than proven business systems. “We’ve got different systems to other cafes; we put a lot of emphasis on speed. Everyone is so time driven these days, they don’t want to wait for 20 minutes for a coffee. That’s a great aspect of the business that we work hard on.

“We consistently produce good product, served by a fantastic team, provide great parking and a great outdoor area. We have

fantastic surrounding businesses, it’s a happening part of town and all that lends itself to a great place to come.”

While the recession was always going to be tough on the hospitality industry, Columbus Coffee Ashburton actually managed to grow 20 percent during the tight period. “We realised everyone was trying to price hike, so we were determined to keep prices down, despite competitors opening up around us during that time and we succeeded.”

Head judge and management consultant, Peter Garnett MBE, who was also a member of last year’s judging panel was impressed with the entrants. “The judges were impressed by the quality and calibre of the applications submitted by all of this year’s entrants, from both franchise systems owners and individual franchisees. The robust nature of the evaluation and judging process provides a valuable oversight of the health of the industry.

“New Zealand’s franchising sector can be very proud of its commitment to customer service, the implementation of sound business systems and processes and for the excellent results being achieved - despite the challenging economic climate.”

Columbus Coffee Moore Street Ashburton T (03) 308 1749 E ashburton@columbuscoffee.co.nz www.columbuscoffee.co.nz — Advertising Feature

At Columbus, we ensure our coffees are always at the peak of freshness and served by experienced, friendly and knowledgable staff who enjoy sharing the enjoyment of great coffee in a relaxing environment.

Moore Street, Ashburton | 03 308 1749 | E: ashburton@columbuscoffee.co.nz 80 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Hospitality | Antigua Boat Sheds & Cafe

Oasis

A little

on the Avon years. In 1882, two boat builders of Lyttleton, Messrs A Shaw and J Tidd, erected large boat sheds on the Avon River. Since then these Boat Sheds have proven the test of time by surviving a number of devastating fires, and now the earthquakes. They may have been damaged and in need of repair and restructure at various times during the years – but they’re still here.

For 125 years the Antigua Boat Sheds have occupied a fine slice of Christchurch’s history. Situated on the Avon River, they’ve played home to a traditional Christchurch pastime that retains all the trappings of Edwardian England.

Current owners Mike and Sally Jones recently celebrated a quarter century of family involvement. “Sally and I have been here 25 years - it’s a building and business we enjoy, it has been a huge part of our family life,” Mike says.

“It’s a Christchurch icon. The business itself has proven to have a sense of integrity and tradition as it allows the sheds to still be used for their original purpose.”

On February 22, the Boat Sheds suffered a fair share of breakages inside the café however, the rest of the building was intact, apart from the deck which suffered minor damage.

Today they’re still an iconic feature in the city; in summer people sit outside enjoying the warm weather, with boats in high demand – during cooler months autumn leaves blanket the scene and customers are provided with hot coffee and blankets on the boats to keep warm.

The fully licensed café can also be hired as a venue for functions and can cater for your function, whether you decide to hold it at the Boat Sheds or not. In fact it can cater for any occasion you care to hold, and of course if you do hold it at the Boat Sheds, canoe hire is available right on the spot.

“The people that have come in since we re-opened are just pleased to see it still standing. We have had people from overseas emailing to see if we are alright.

It’s great to have our customers back and seeing them chatting to each other over a coffee,” Mike says.

The Boat Shed Café offers a tranquil setting where you can enjoy a delicious and affordable breakfast, lunch or beverage, while overlooking the calm waters of the Avon River.

The Boat Sheds story is quintessential part of Christchurch’s history that dates back 125

“Come and hire a boat or canoe, and travel down Avon River, or if that sounds too much

like hard work, then come and sit back with a cappuccino at our tranquil café.”

Today the business is once again a hive of activity, with locals and tourists taking advantage of the café and boat hire.

The Avon is a colourful scene as people take to the water in canoes, paddle boats and row boats. Bike hire is also available, providing an ideal way for people to reunite with the city.

Antigua Boat Sheds boat hire and Café is open seven days a week – the café from 7am to 5.30pm in summer and boat hire from 9am to 4.30pm.

Antigua Boat Sheds and Café 2 Cambridge Terrace Christchurch Café - T: (03) 366 6768 Boat - T: (03) 366 5885 www.boatsheds.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Wholesale Distributors • Biodegradable, Recyclable and Sustainable Packaging • Custom Print and Packaging • Retail and Food Packaging • Hospitality Disposable Packaging • Hygiene Systems & Tissue Products • Janitorial Supplies • Cleaning Chemicals • Cafeteria and Food Service E: sales@ashbec.co.nz Ph: 03 384 4831 | Fax: 03 384 4821 12 Philips street, Christchurch

Trents Wholesale Limited is 100% New Zealand owned and operated.

Pleased to be the preferred supplier for the Antigua Boat Sheds Cafe

Trents Tuam Street Cash’n Carry Open and fully operational Monday - Friday 7am - 5pm, Thursday 7am - 6pm Saturday 8am - 1pm Ph: 03 377 4902 | www.trents.co.nz www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 81

Hospitality | Annies Marlborough

The gift of good food “Aside from love, the biggest gift you can give your children are great food choices that build strong healthy bodies,” Marlborough entrepreneur, Annie Giles says.

And the closer to its natural form the better, she says. “Fruit and veggies are the power house of nutrition, packed full of antioxidants, fibre and other goodies – put together by nature to keep our bodies healthy.”

Buying Annies products It’s really easy to buy from the Annies website, particularly if you want to purchase in bulk. In New Zealand you can also buy from most Foodtown, Countdown and Woolworths supermarkets and some New World and Pak N Save stores. A number of dedicated health food and organics stores also stock the products.

That passion for good, healthy food has made Annie a household name for many New Zealanders. We’re used to seeing Annie’s smiling face as we reach for our favourite fruity treats at the supermarket.

It all started back in 1986 when Graeme Giles gave his new wife Annie a small dehydrator.

She immediately began to experiment converting surplus fruit off the family orchard into dried fruit leathers. Her family has owned orchards in sunny Marlborough for decades.

Soon Annie was selling the products at the family’s small fruit and vegetable shop and later to shops in nearby towns. As demand outstripped supply, the Giles invested in a

commercial drier and “Annies” was well and truly underway.

Now, years later, Annies Marlborough Ltd produces a whole range of natural dried fruit and is branching out into a number of other natural food products. These include Annie’s hand-made 100 percent natural fruit leather, air-dried local apples and kiwifruit, and a sweet range of natural sugar replacements.

Annies products are now sold throughout New Zealand and Australia and in parts of the USA, with demand growing from other countries.

Reflecting on her success, Annie believes it’s because her products are healthy without breaking the bank – exactly what people need.

“Today’s customer knows the issues … the increase in childhood obesity, high rates of diabetes heart disease and cancer. They are aware that what they eat makes a difference and want to make better choices for themselves and their families. But making those choices is a challenge.

“Generally it’s a time poor, budget constrained mum doing the shopping. And shopping is a challenge, there’s confusion from all those health claims, despair from the mixed nutritional messages and the dilemma of finding great food choices that will get eaten by the family.

“Annies is committed to being part of the solution to make healthy snacking doable – our food is simply fruit without the water. We add nothing, we just turn it into a tasty snack bar. Kids munch on it, parents love it. Fresh is best and our Annies fruit leather is the closest snack to fresh fruit.”

Annies yummy hunger busters are fat free, gluten free, yeast, dairy and nut free.

The company adds no sugar, flavours or preservatives and uses fresh fruit pulp (not concentrate). Originally most of the fruit required came from Annie’s family’s orchard, but now the scale of Annies is so large the fruit is purchased from all around New Zealand.

However, the bulk of it is from local Marlborough and Nelson. Annies chooses only ingredients and suppliers it trusts, so it can make food its customers trust.

Café culture The original family fruit and vege shop Annies products were sold through back in 80s has gone and has been replaced with the Annies Store and Cafe right on State Highway One, just north of Blenheim.

Founders Graeme and Annie Giles still work in the business – if you stop by the café you’re bound to see them chatting away to customers.

The café runs regular events (check the event section for regular updates, or keep in touch via the business’ Facebook page.)

Annies Store carries all of Annies products including offcuts and end-of-line or clearance bargains. It also serves local wine and some other flagship Marlborough products like Crunchy Seeds and Honey.

The café is an ideal place to meet friends after stocking up on Annies products. You can enjoy a coffee and a muffin of cake, or even eat lunch. With a safe outside play area for littlies, Annies is an excellent place to meet friends you can catch up while the kids play outside.

Annie originally trained as a nurse and her husband and business partner Graeme has a degree in science. They and the rest of the Annies team firmly feel that the company must continue to make a difference through nutrition.

TNL International is an international freight forwarder and logistics provider offering a worldwide network of air and sea, import and export freight services.

“We like to encourage people to understand our health is in our hands. It is balance of food, exercise, sleep and thinking – most of this has little cost and is entirely ours to choose. Your very next cell can only be made out of what you put in your mouth.

“If you choose an apple or a donut, water or frizzy drinks... the results will be different.

Before you eat your next piece of food ask this: do I want to make my next cell out of you!”

Every stage of the freight journey is monitored, with total visibility through our ‘Globetrac’ online tracking system providing status reports and timely notice of arrival, to ensure cargo is available as quickly as possible.

TNL International AUCKLAND CHRISTCHURCH NELSON 0800 90 50 50

BSM

Annies Marlborough Ltd State Highway 1, RD3 Blenheim 7273 T (03) 570 5470 F (03) 570 5480 E orders@annies.co.nz www.annies.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Locally owned & operated Blenheim Based Sales & Service

• Multi-function Machines • Copiers • Faxes • Printers • Scanners • Computing Equiptment • Document Solutions • Wide Format Machines 61 Seymour Street, Blenheim Ph: 03 577 5533 E: reception@bsm.net.nz www.copierco.co.nz

82 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Hospitality | Cocopelli Gourmet Pizza

A little

Italian flavour Italy’s rich history has given much to the modern world; the humble road for example isn’t exactly inconsequential, then there’s the wonder of Michalangelo’s genius, great architecture, fast cars and fabulous fashion.

However, can any of it really compare to the utter marvels that are pasta and pizza?

Italian culture oozes style and it’s the same for the cuisine; it’s simple, sumptuous and perfectly suited to the contemporary Kiwi lifestyle – which is why we’ve embraced it with almost as much fervour at its creators.

One local embodiment of this passion is the Cocopelli Gourmet Pizza Bar at the Palms in Shirley.

As Mediterranean dining is in no small way about the ambiance, inside you’ll find a warm and friendly environment, where you can enjoy everything from quiet drinks and nibbles to a large function.

Next to Cocopelli’s being a nice place to be, comes, of course, the ingredients – arguably the most vital piece when putting an eatery together.

General manager Jeanette Francis says Cocopelli’s is a casual restaurant with more than just a great gourmet pizza menu and outstanding level of service.

“We have daily specials which include $15 pastas all day on Tuesdays - which works well if you are heading to the movies and are looking for a quick bite.”

The extensive menu is created from fresh, local ingredients. “Our famous pizzas and pastas are set to please everyone from meat lovers to vegetarians. More than 85 percent of our menu is available as gluten free on request. We have included everything from bar snacks to three course meals in our gluten free options.”

Gourmet pizza, fresh salads and exciting daily specials show casing a commitment to fresh produce and ethical approach to ingredients.

Crate free bacon, ham and free range eggs all mean Cocopelli’s delivers guilt free food!

If something else tickles your tastebuds, then how about juicy lamb shanks, ovenbaked pesto chicken or Cocopelli’s famous garlic sizzling prawns.

“We also have two-for-one cocktails on “We have an extensive a la carte menu, which Wednesday nights from 5pm-9pm and many includes great gourmet salads. We do only use others for each day.” fresh local ingredients, and 85 percent of our The well balanced menu is supported menu can be done gluten free on request. by a high standard of service, so every customer’s dining experience is sure to be a “Our pizzas are hand crafted and we make memorable one. our own pizza bases fresh each day. Our bar tenders are skilled mixoligists, trained in making outstanding cocktails which includes our signature mango daiquiri, or you can try a Drambuie mojito.

Pinot Noir • Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Gris • Merlot • Grüner Veltliner Cocopelli Gourmet Pizza Bar The Palms Arena Corner of Marshlands and New Brighton Road Shirley Christchurch — Advertising Feature T (03) 386 2220

Elegance, balance and length are a feature of our wines. We believe the limestone contributes sought-after mineral characters.

Available at Cocopelli 06 857 8235 | www.limerock.co.nz 601 Tikokino Road Waipawa, Central Hawkes Bay

Cocopelli’s is open seven days a week; from 11am on Monday-Friday, do a breakfast on weekends from 9am-3pm, and has a no surcharge guarantee on public holidays.

Kahurangi Estate is a New Zealand family owned boutique vineyard specialising in hand-made wines.

Sunrise Road, RD1, UpperMoutere, Nelson Phone: (03) 543 2980 Fax: (03) 543 2981 Pleased to be associated with the

Cocopelli Gourmet Pizza Bar www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 83

Hospitality | The Fisherman’s Wharf

The perfect SEASIDE SPOT Standing alone, overlooking Lyttelton, is Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood and Eatery Bar. It was one of Lyttelton’s first dining locations to open its doors following the February earthquake in the now drastically altered town.

Lyttelton has suffered major damage and today looks a very different place compared to its pre-quake days. Although many of the beautiful old buildings have come down, many companies have reopened and the business community continues to discuss how to recover and rebuild itself.

The community lost 400 residents because of damaged homes and loss of income. Although Lyttelton has suffered much during the last year, businesses like the Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood and Eatery Bar have not let that stop them - if anything the place has been busier than ever.

A hub for the community

The grand opening was scheduled to take place on February 23, 2011. Two days later Fisherman’s Wharf did open, although under rather challenging circumstances, as the bar had no running water, power or plumbing.

Manager and head chef Lloyd Millar realised people were sick of BBQs. “The locals were thankful when we opened - the bar became a hub for the community to all come together, relax and share their stories,” he says.

He feels Christchurch residents should carry on visiting Lyttelton to support the small businesses that have continued to stay open.

“Lyttelton has lost some of its iconic buildings but it still has its charm. What remains is the spirit and character of the people who have,

over the years, made this charming port town their home.

towards a Pacific Rim style, along with Asian and Thai influences.

“I always felt the need that Lyttelton needed a seafood bar. When the chance came up to be positioned right on the wharf, I decided to transform it into my dream.”

A nautical experience

Millar has lived in Lyttelton for the past six years and has accumulated a wealth of kitchen experience since completing his apprenticeship in cooking in 1976. His passion for cooking has always remained and led him

Pegasus Fishing Ltd

Pleased to be associated with Fisherman’s Wharf · Retail Fish · Wholesale Fish · Takeaways · Open 7 days · Off Street car parking The seafood specialists 03 348 5632

71 London Street • PO Box 138 • Lyttelton •Chch Tel: (03) 328 7389 Fax: (03) 328 7598 Cell: 0274 933 837 Email: tony@pegasusfish.co.nz Fishing Vessel Owners & Operators - Fishing Consultants

theosfisheries@xtra.co.nz 82 Riccarton Road, Christchurch

SUPPLIERS OF FRESH FISH TO FISHERMAN’S WHARF

Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood Eatery and Bar Fresh Fish - From the sea to the table ENJOY CANTERBURYS ONLY SPECIALIST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT WITH FANTASTIC UN-INTERRUPTED VIEWS OF LYTTELTON HARBOR. "AL FRESCO DECK BAR OPEN THURS-SUN"' | LYTTELTON, CHRISTCHURCH | 03 328 7530 84 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

The bar and eatery has a traditional nautical theme – a blue and white striped wooden exterior with fisherman’s nets and baskets outside. An inviting salad bar welcomes you as you walk in with colourful and delicious looking salads that you can add to your meal.

The wooden tables are dressed up with brown leather seats and small but tasteful chandeliers hang above the inside of the bar.

The counter is the bar’s main feature with a large printed picture of Lyttelton’s wharf and the walls are filled with Millar’s artwork and large black chalkboards to highlight the daily specials.

The outside area flows with larger wooden tables and wooden benches with outdoor heating, keeping the chill at bay while taking in the view of the port. You can easily get caught up on watching the ships roll in and out whether you’re having a meal or simply enjoying a drink.

Millar has maximised the view and location of the seafood bar and eatery by recently opening The Deck, a large outside bar area that was completed in time for Christmas last year.

Hospitality | The Fisherman’s Wharf The Deck offers a place to have a drink and relax. A corner bar outside is convenient as customers don’t have to keep going in and out of the eatery to get a drink. The main bar can seat 36 inside and 30 outside, then another 40 on The Deck bar.

Sample M enu SEAFOOD CHOWDER: A fisherman’s wharf favourite loaded with seafood in a seafood veloute served with fresh bread $14.50

An ocean experience As you sit close to the water’s edge, smelling the salty air and the delicious aroma of chilli and lime infused fish cooking in the pan, seagulls flock nearby and ships roll in, making it something like out of a movie set. You can watch the chefs cook up your meal from the open kitchen and the staff offer a friendly and welcoming service.

SQUID SALAD: Thai style with stir fried vegetables and a crisp lime chilli dressing $14.00 SCALLOPS: Wrapped in bacon and grilled topped in a sweet soy and served with a spicy cabbage salad and yakitori sauce $16.00

Fisherman’s Wharf offers a true ocean to plate experience - the bar receives its fresh fish daily from boats in the harbour. It has direct access to five local fishing boats bringing in fish such as groper, gurnard, sole, brill and Tarakihi.

TODAYS CATCH: Market price, check out the blackboard for the daily fresh fish selection. Served with salad, fries or wedges or choice of style such as: BEER BATTERED -With remoulade sauce and CAJUN STYLE -blackened in spices served with fresh salsa

The menu reflects the informal, relaxed style and is designed for everyone with a strong seafood influence. Along with boutiquestyle fish and chips (made from fish directly off local fishing vessels), it offers delicious seafood inspired dishes, including some non seafood selections that are excellent value.

SURF and TURF Sirloin steak grilled to your liking topped with garlic prawns and finished with hollandaise sauce and a side of chunky fries $34.00 FISHERMANS PLATTER A selection of our finest and freshest with bread and dips $38.00 for one $70 for two

As well as the good old fashioned potato chips, there are also tasty kumara fries. Crumbed prawns, flash fried calamari, foil baked salmon, and pan fried groper are just a few options to tempt you on the menu. Fresh sushi is also made on site by Millar and his team.

Although the menu is predominately seafood, it also offers fresh salads, steaks and chicken dishes for the non aquatic fan.

Millar says there are firm favourites with customers. “The seafood chowder and Cajun fish are popular. Specials change daily depending on what is available from the water that day.”

Complementing its menu, Fisherman’s Wharf has a wide selection of beers, wines and non-alcoholic beverages to quench your thirst and best of all it can all be consumed taking in the glorious views of Lyttelton Harbour and beyond.

Should you want to host a little shin-dig, Fisherman’s Wharf can also cater for functions and events. It caters to all group sizes and the outdoor area would set quite the scene, making any occasion a memorable experience. “The menu can also be customised for events, giving customers the chance to create their own menu and ensure everyone will be content with what they eat,” Millar says.

“The place is a great stopping point if you are driving through the peninsula, for a Blackcat boat trip or simply looking for somewhere to enjoy a delicious meal.”

• Restaurant open seven days from 11am till late • Wharf bar and The Deck open Thursday–Friday from 5pm till late, • Saturday from 1pm till late and Sunday from 12-6pm Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood Eatery and Bar Lyttelton T (03) 3287530 www.lytteltonwharf.co.nz — Advertising Feature

M.T Marine Ltd

No.1 in Foodservice

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Fresh Deals Daily Since Last Century Proud to supply establishments of excellent repute such as Fisherman’s Wharf

WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS OF FRESH & FROZEN SEAFOOD TO FISH & CHIP SHOPS AROUND CHRISTCHURCH AND WE DELIVER FRESH FISH TO FISHERMAN’S WHARF.

Gurnard • Tarakihi • Akaroa (Red) Cod Blue Cod • Groper • NZ Sole • Brill • Turbot We wish Fisherman’s Wharf all the very best, and can gladly say that they have a high standard in the specialty of seafood for which their resturant caters to.

PO Box 18689, New Brighton, Christchurch P: 03 384 2800 | canterburyseafoods@xtra.co.nz

Mike Gerken MANAGING DIRECTOR

Mob: 027-448 3920 Ph: 03-328 7480 | Fax: 03-328 7481

Email: m.tmarine@xtra.co.nz 71 London Street, Lyttelton PLEASED TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH FISHERMAN’S WHARF

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PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE FISHERMANS WARF AND REBUILD OF CHRISTCHURCH! www.servicefoods.co.nz • 03 389 9909

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 85

A country vineyard on your doorstep New Zealand has undergone a gastronomic revolution in the last 20 years. The transition from sausage rolls and lamingtons to a café and vineyard lunch culture has been as rapid as it is welcome. And being here in Canterbury means we have a vast selection to choose from.

Whitehaven are proud to be poured at Morgan’s Vineyard and trust you will enjoy our wines when you visit next.

It specialises in great quality food and wine that can be enjoyed in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. The food is wholesome and features locally grown produce with a focus on traditional and old favourite dishes. Its wines have been specially selected to complement the menu and are predominantly from the South Island.

Morgan’s Vineyard’s delightful setting makes it the perfect place to relax and unwind with friends, family or that special someone.

C

Whitehaven prides itself on a genuinely singular vision...consistently creating stunning wines of character and beauty from only the finest fruit... our vintages truly reflect the nature and spirit of Marlborough.

The earthquakes may have taken away a large percentage of the hospitality industry, but many restaurants and cafés have survived or re-opened, giving us a sense of normality.

So if you’re looking to escape the city for lunch or dinner without driving for miles on end or looking for somewhere to host your next event or special occasion, then Morgan’s Vineyard might be just the ticket. Tucked away in the rural fringes of Christchurch on Buchanans Road, Morgan’s Vineyard is a delightful restaurant and café in a vineyard setting.

HARLE

S

o.nz.

Hospitality | Morgan’s Vineyard

WIFFEN

A TA S T E O F E XC E L L E N C E M A R L B O RO U G H

For enquiries reguarding Whitehaven wines please contact Danny Phipps at danny@whitehaven.co.nz phone on 021 738 315 or go to www.whitehaven.co.nz

Chardonnay | Dessert Riesling | Merlot Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sauvignon Blanc Gewurztraminer | Pinot Gris

Proud to support

Morgan’s Vineyard Charles Wiffen Wines Limited Ph: (03) 319 2826 | Fax: (03) 319 2829 Email: charleswiffenwines@xtra.co.nz

86 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

“

I stayed at the lovely accommodation at the back of restaurant and had a couple of meals at the Morgans café. I can honestly say that the meal was world class the service from the host Amelia was top notch superb! A must place to go.

Lynn - happy customer

The restaurant was opened in 2010 by Amelia French and her father David French. “The restaurant’s interior is warm, comfortable and relaxing. In the winter we have the fire burning and in the summer we have a lovely outdoor area for dinning,” Amelia says. “We can seat up to 40 people, and we always welcome enquiries for private functions and events.”

With five employees the small but enthusiastic team offers a personal yet friendly service. David and Benjimin Harvey create all of the food on the premises, including all of the desserts. “The atmosphere of Morgan’s Vineyard is uniquely charming, we consistently offer great food, great service and a great cup of coffee,” Amelia says.

The father and daughter team are fulfilling a dream they’ve shared for some time - to operate their own restaurant. David started his career in hospitality in the sixties as an apprentice chef in the UK and subsequently developed his cooking skills in Bermuda, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand.

After spending 30 years in management, he returned to his roots and his first love - the kitchen.

Amelia, having grown up in the hospitality industry, initially pursued a career in hospitality after leaving school. She commenced an HSI Modern Apprenticeship in Food and Beverage and won the 2007 Modern Apprentice of the Year competition. She has also competed successfully in the annual Salon Culinaire at CPIT and at the New Zealand Culinary Fare.

Amelia spent most of 2008 in the UK, gaining further experience working for an event and catering company. Upon returning to New Zealand Amelia has also been studying Commerce and Law at Canterbury University. However she is thrilled to have the opportunity of working together with her Dad in putting Morgan’s Vineyard on the hospitality map.

”

Hours of operation: Thurs & Fri: 11am - 3pm/6pm onwards Sat: 10am -3pm/6pm onwards Sun: 10am - 3pm

Sample M enu Cheesy Garlic Bread- Toasted ciabatta generously spread with herb & garlic butter & grated parmesan cheese, served with tomato salsa $8 Filo Parcel- Filled with spinach & ricotta & served with a sour cream & chive dressing & salad garnish $13.50 Garlic & Chilli Prawns - Served on rice with diced tomatoes & parsley in a garlic butter sauce $13.50 Roast Belly Pork- With apple sauce & gravy, served with creamy mashed potatoes& seasonal vegetables $29 Pan Roasted Akaroa Salmon Fillet - On Basmati rice, topped with spiced red pepper butter & served with seasonal vegetables $30 Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee - Served with berry compote $13.50 Chocolate Fudge Brownie- With raspberry coulis & vanilla ice cream $13.50

Morgan’s Vineyard 355 Buchanans Road Yaldhurst RD6 Christchurch 7676 T (03) 3488038 E info@morganscaferestaurant.com www.morganscaferestaurant.com — Advertising Feature

Hopsitality| Ris’tretto Espresso

Award winning blend for a brilliant brew Legend has it that Ethiopian shepherds first noticed the effects of caffeine when they saw their goats getting frisky and dancing after eating coffee berries.

And, while us coffee aficionados aren’t exactly dancing into the office each morning, its effects are still pretty impressive.

While we all aspire to drink good coffee, the ability to make it is not a skill as broadly understood. But for Andrew Weir, Ris’tretto Espresso co-owner, great tasting coffee became his passion and his business.

“My wife Cath and I opened our first cafe, Bagel Heaven, in Christchurch about nine years ago and that’s when I developed my passion for coffee. We had a couple of food based businesses in between and I had held on to that passion.

“I realised I had to either get into coffee roasting and make a go of it or just forget about it.”

He spent the following eight months trialling different blends from around the world. “I did small roasting batches and spent that time evaluating them, trialling them under different roasting conditions until I had whittled them down to a short list.”

BEST NZ ESPRESSO 2011/12 NZ COFFEE AWARDS

“We want to work with a select group of people who want to make great coffee.”

ESPRESSO CAFE ROASTERY

Fair Trade organic coffee is also something customers respond really well to, he adds.

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Because for Ris’tretto Espresso, bigger is not better. “We don’t have an ambition to be on every street corner, because we think when you get that many customers it’s hard to maintain quality levels.

“A lot of people come in and say they are impressed that they don’t have to put in sugar into our coffee; they’re used to that tart bitterness which comes with so many coffees and they realise they don’t have to disguise that taste.”

Grow your coffee business!

SILVER MEDAL

“This year we’re looking forward to aligning ourselves with a small group of cafes whose focus is to make excellent coffee, all the time.

“When supplying coffee, it’s important to provide ongoing barista training and technical support, because that’s our brand and our clients’ brand that’s out there; it’s a real partnership.”

“The roasting process develops any natural acidity present in the bean, so by starting with a low acidity base in the first place you don’t have to try to manage that acidic flavour when roasting. As a result our coffee doesn’t have a tang or sharp bite to it.

“We roast each origin individually, with a roasting technique that is all about encouraging the natural flavour of each bean. By roasting at a medium level the natural flavour of the beans develops while it’s roasting and keeps the coffee oils and sweetness in the bean.”

“My coffee is a bit different to what others are roasting. It was never a deliberate move;

While Andrew says the company has been incredibly lucky in terms of the earthquake, with only minor damage and business interruptions, its wholesale customers have all but disappeared. “We are a boutique fair trade coffee roaster. So we’re selective about who we choose to stock our coffee. To make good coffee, you have to care about it.

So our focus is not to just be a coffee partner with other cafes; we want to work with people with passion for coffee.

I just had a flavour in mind I liked and thought others would like. But I needed to find beans that were naturally low in acidity with the traits I was after to get that flavour.

Eventually he had them down to a low acidic blend of three beans he felt came together the best for the “nutty, malty, caramel” flavoured coffee he was aiming for. The three beans are 100 percent Fair Trade organic Arabica beans from central and South America, purchased from Trade Aid in Christchurch.

It was a successful strategy. Ris’tretto Espresso just won the silver award for the best New Zealand espresso at the New Zealand Coffee Awards, against almost 300 entries, judged under stringent blind tasting conditions by local and international coffee roasters.

“Fair Trade coffee provides farmers with a fair price and allows them to earn a better living off the coffee they’re growing – it’s a win, win situation.”

Cafe and Roastery

BENZIE FREE RANGE EGGS LTD P.O Box 84 | KIRWEE 7543 Ph/Fax: 03 318 1637 Mobile: 021 733 080 Email: susan.benzie@xtra.co.nz

100% fair trade

organic

Our Services: • Full ongoing espresso training & technical support • Hospitality & marketing consultancy advice

17 Fatima Street, Redwood, Christchurch Ph: 03 352 3464 | Fax: 03 354 1025 E: sales@simplysyrupsandmore.co.nz For more information on cafe requirements visit www.simplysyrupsandmore.co.nz

Ris’tretto Espresso 670 Barbadoes Street St Albans Christchurch T (03) 385 8670 www.ristretto.co.nz — Advertising Feature www.torani.com

ESPRESSO CAFE ROASTERY

EST. 2008 670 Barbadoes St, St Albans, Christchurch. Ph 3858 670 www.ristretto.co.nz www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 87

At A Glance | The Serious Sandwich / Hospitality

Hot spots

By Kayte John

If you’re looking to dine-out, get away overnight or try a new activity these ideas will help you create the perfect experience to treat yourself or that someone special.

Serious sandwiches Artisan style bread, slow-roasted meats, fresh salads and premium cheeses are all part of the great tasting ingredients in Serious Sandwich offerings. You can sink your teeth into these gourmet sandwiches at The Serious Sandwich, situated in The Colombo, formerly known as the Spotlight Mall, in Sydenham.

As owner Mischa Belton says, the key is “Keeping it fresh, tasty and creative between two pieces of bread”.

Mischa and business partner Simon Atkinson, both from Christchurch, have worked in the local hospitality industry for years. They were made redundant after the February earthquake, however soon hatched an idea for a food venture – one that continues to support the damaged city. This new venture became known as The Serious Sandwich – Sydenham’s little secret that’s now taking Christchurch by storm.

Each morning the meat is roasted fresh - beef, chicken and meatballs are all on the menu, not forgetting the homemade sauces such as the Harrisa and the Salsa Verde. The special sandwich changes each day and is a popular choice. Then there are the menu staples like the long-roasted rolled pork with rosemary and garlic stuffing.

team deliver a constant great quality service and product each time. Homemade bakery treats such as warm chocolate chip cookies made by Belton regularly go on sale, making a tasty treat to go with a coffee.

The Breakfast Bap is a delicious mix of flavours, premium bacon, a free range egg and house mayo cooked to order served between a freshly warmed Bap, is available from 9am to 11am every day.

The Serious Sandwich’s coffee is produced

by Lyttelton Coffee - Belton’s favourite. He feels the company is an asset to Christchurch and his customers. The bread supplier, Breads of Europe provides The Serious Sandwich with its delicious ciabatta to complete the mouth-watering sandwiches.

Gluten free bread at no extra charge is also on offer so the gourmet sandwiches can be enjoyed by everyone. The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 9am until they run out – so get in quick!

The Serious Sandwich The Colombo 363 Colombo Street Christchurch T (03) 371 9167 E info@theserioussandwich.com www.theserioussandwich.com

The Serious Sandwich is committed to freshness and high quality produce as it strives to push the boundaries with its small but delicious menu. Belton, Atkinson and the

White Breads | Dark Sour Doughs Danish | Cafe Products Specialty Products | Dinner Rolls Proudly Supplying The Serious Sandwich Phone: (03) 381-1048

www.breads.co.nz 88 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Select Braemar Lodge & Spa

Rangitata Rafts

Take some time out and head to Hanmer Springs, booking in to Select Braemar Lodge & Spa. Enjoy modern, luxury, lodge accommodation with stylish, spacious suites, spa treatments and Altitude, its restaurant and bar offering panoramic views over the Hanmer Basin. Check out the ‘Alpine Romance’ package, perfect for honeymooners, anniversaries or just the excuse to get away from it all.

Visit: www.selectbraemarlodge.com

Few other rivers can offer you New Zealand’s most amazing scenery paired with the thrill and excitement of some of the most exciting grade five white water rafting.

Spend the day rafting - no experience necessary, then head back to the lodge for a hot shower and BBQ. You can even stay the night at its remote lodge. Check out: www. rafts.co.nz for more information.

Waipara Valley Wine and dine your partner in Waipara visit the many wineries the region has to offer and enjoy lunch in one of the café’s/ restaurants. Here you can spend the day tasting the award winning wines that Waipara has produced whilst enjoying the valley scenery.

Visit: www.waiparawine.co.nz

She Chocolat Take a drive around the peninsula and visit She Chocolat. It’s one of New Zealand’s unique chocolate and culinary destinations in the stunning surroundings of Governors Bay. Try the delicious homemade chocolates, its creative coffee menu or book in for dinner. She Chocolat also offers a chocolate and culinary school, for a hands-on experience.

Check out: www.shechocolat.com

Grasmere Lodge By virtue of its dramatic location near Arthur’s Pass, ever-changing climate and the luxury offered, Grasmere Lodge will always be an experience to remember.

Escape for the weekend and relax or take part in the many activities on offer such as fishing, water sports, horse-riding, and hiking. Check out: www.grasmere.co.nz

Helipro - scenic flights Whether you fancy a scenic flight over Canterbury to an all day experience further afield, let Helipro take you and on a flying adventure. Fly to Kaikoura and see the whales from a birds eye view, or fly to Akaroa, viewing its coastal beauty along the way. Check out: www.helipro.co.nz

Strawberry Fare A favourite late-night dessert venue is back up and running. Strawberry Fare in Christchurch is famous for its mouthwatering desserts and unique breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Now situated at 19 Bealey Avenue, its the perfect excuse to get your sweet-tooth fix.

Visit: www.strawberryfare.com

Information central Many of us have been asked for information by visitors to the city recently. There is now somewhere they can go for all their information. There is a Visitor Information Centre (portacoms) right beside the Peacock Fountain at the Botanic Gardens - a three minute walk from HSBC, straight down Worcester Boulevard.

Goods & Services | Foodstuffs Kaiapoi New World

“New World complements these offerings perfectly as part of the Foodstuffs family – it takes supermarket shopping to a whole new level, with a range of products and friendly service that customers simply won’t find at any other supermarket.”

Committed to delivering the best supermarket experience possible in New Zealand, Foodstuffs wants to eliminate the words bore and chore from their shoppers’ vocabulary which is why, through the organisation’s hard work and meticulous attention to detail; the New World brand has become synonymous with ease and convenience.

Davidson says the modus operandi at New World is to ensure customers have their needs met. “Our key goal is to deliver the best supermarket experience possible in New Zealand, and get customers to really enjoy exploring all that’s on offer in store, instead of treating it as a chore,” Davidson comments.

“At New World, we aim to provide the widest range of the best quality produce and products available, and maintain our reputation for having the best service for a supermarket in the country, as demonstrated

by Fair Go and Target last year.”

A world of choice Since American entrepreneur Clarence Saunders opened the first Piggly Wiggly grocery store in Memphis, Tennessee in 1916, supermarket shopping has become a ritualised practise the world over. For some, going to the supermarket is a superorganised get in and get out affair. For others, it’s a nostalgic pasttime where they will leisurely stroll around, with a coffee in hand. There are those who shop by list and others who shop by spontaneity – when it comes to shopping preferences; it’s a mixed bag one could say.

One thing is for certain though - whatever the patron’s preferences, it is imperative that supermarket shopping today is all about customer convenience and the Foodstuffs retail brand New World is the very definition of this.

At New World, the store layout, customer service and extensive range of products is second to none. A supermarket that is a familiar icon in neighbourhoods all across New Zealand, its growing portfolio is testament to its strong commercial standing in what could only be described as a heavily populated commercial marketplace.

In 2011, three New World stores that underwent a cosmetic metamorphosis via rebuilds or refurbishments made their way into the Foodstuffs fold.

Needless to say, the new stores in Northwood Kaiapoi and Ilam embody the same qualities of the New World stores that came before them and are taking the New World Shopping experience to a whole new level.

Meeting customer needs Throughout New Zealand each New World store is individually owned and operated, which means the range within a store can be tailored specifically to cater for the tastes and requirements of local shoppers - an advantage over New World’s more centralised competitors.

Foodstuffs South Island general manager of property and retail development Roger Davidson says Foodstuffs’ three retail brands – New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square each have their own competitive edge and New World is meeting the overall needs and expectations of customers.

“New World is all about delivering the best overall shopping experience to meet our customers’ complete requirements, with the widest range of fresh, quality products and great friendly service. Meanwhile, PAK’nSAVE’s policy is to provide New Zealand’s lowest food prices through a number of cost efficiencies, and Four Square is a Kiwi icon, providing convenience in smaller locations across the country.

Renowned for their candid evaluations and assessments of services and products in New Zealand, this positive appraisal of New World’s stores by two consumer affair aficionados speaks volumes with regard to their efficient operational nature and is testament to the staff who represent the brand.

In addition to this positive coverage, New World also topped a nationwide “Best in Service” poll launched by Colmar Brunton and Fair Go in 2011.

The poll, which identified the best provider of customer service in categories including banking, airlines, telecommunications, power and real estate, saw New World take out the top spot in the supermarket segment.

As part of the poll, two thousand shoppers across New Zealand were polled on their service experiences at supermarkets across the country and each brand was given a ‘net experience score’ based on their feedback.

Davidson says New World’s loyal staff and innovative approach to its store design are two of the supermarkets’ greatest qualities and the organisation is highly appreciative of the staff’s commitment.

Cold Chain Services are proud to have been involved with Ilam New World as Consultants for the refrigeration services

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 89

Goods & Services | Foodstuffs Armitage contructing Ilam New World

“We take great pride in the passion and skill of our staff, who are often some of the best in their trade.” Of the brand’s commitment to innovation and forward thinking attitude he adds, “Many of our stores have also implemented innovations such as wider aisles, lowered cabinet height in the butchery and seafood departments to facilitate interaction with staff and open-styled bakeries so customers can be part of the action.

“This year we will be investing a sizeable amount into revitalising the New World brand to ensure it remains at the forefront of Kiwi hearts and minds. At New World, we really want to share our passion for fine food with our customers.”

Of the future of New World stores, Davidson says Foodstuffs will continue to ensure the brand fulfils its potential and will press on with the professional momentum it has had to date. “I can confirm there are some exciting new developments afoot with the brand, which will really take it to the next level. “Customers can expect to see some fresh new ideas in store which will bring the fun and excitement back into supermarket shopping. Being a fully New Zealand owned and operated brand, each New World owner operator is highly involved in giving back to their local communities, so we’ll also be improving communications of those initiatives as well”

Rebuilds and refurbishments New World Northwood In a competitive market sector with increasing expectations Davidson says it is vital for Foodstuffs to keep refurbishing its current stores and investing in new developments to ensure the brand and everything it entails continues to meet the constantly evolving needs of its customers.

“Foodstuffs has a continued emphasis on sustainability, both with the construction of its stores and the products contained within.

For example we have 20 percent of our stores using the natural refrigerant, CO2, which means continued energy saving and less environmental impact.”

Like most Canterbury businesses, the New World supermarkets in the region were hit hard by the September 4 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks, but true to their ‘when the going gets tough the tough get

going’ attitude, the brand continued to put one foot in front of the other and many of the stores have come back better and stronger than before.

At New World Northwood extensive construction work has doubled the size of the original shopping area and most work was completed in February this year, with the major part of the construction completed before the Christmas rush in 2011.

Of the New World Northwood refurbishment, owner and operator of Kathy Frampton says the supermarket will provide an even better shopping experiences for customers. “The extra space gives us so much scope to expand key sections such as the bakery, butchery, seafood and deli. In fact everything.”

She adds that the supermarket is committed to keeping up with its key demographics’ preferences and changing wants and needs.

“With the popularity of reality cooking competitions and celebrity chef programmes, customers are becoming increasingly

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discerning in their tastes, their cooking styles and requirements. We need to be able to answer their questions and cater for them, and the larger supermarket will allow us to do that.

“I’m really excited about the seafood area.

There will be live mussels, whole fish, shrimps, prawns and many other delicacies, as well as a comprehensive range of fresh fillet,” she says of the new additions to the store.

“In the butchery area our trained staff will be able to help customers with the appropriate cut of meat for their needs or special recipe that they are trying out.”

Adding to its already impression culinary selection, New World Northwood will also be adding its own sausages into the mix under the brand Naturally Northwood. New World Northwood will also have its own a specially imported oven from France for the bakery section, which will make ciabatta and other European-styled breads alongside the existing ranges of breads and cakes.

“Our fresh fruit and vegetable areas will increase markedly, as will the wine section and the deli. We are also opening a sushi bar, introducing a specialty cheese cabinet and increasing our ranges of organic and gluten free items,” Frampton says.

New World Kaiapoi After making the difficult decision to not reopen the store after the September 4 earthquake due to extensive damage, New World Kaiapoi pledged its commitment to staff and reaffirmed their value by providing as much support as possible to staff members affected by the closure.

Each employee was offered access to a specialist business advisor from local firm Polson Higgs to help them find alternative employment or employment with other Foodstuffs supermarkets. To help minimise some of the stress on staff, the Foodstuffs Community Trust also provided each full-time employee with a $500 shopping voucher and part-time employees received a $250 voucher.

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Goods & Services | Foodstuffs

Kaiapoi New World

Since the earthquake hit, the road has been long and arduous for New World Kaiapoi to get back on its feet, but the rebuild of the new $12 million store has fostered a sense of hope and renewed purpose in Kaiapoi.

The build, which was led by Leighs Construction, is clearly representative of Foodstuffs commitment to the Kaiapoi Township. “Having been out of action since September 2010, we felt it was vital to lead by example in the rebuilding efforts, and support the local community by investing $12 million in the new and improved store,” Davidson confirms.

grateful to get many of the original staff back and say 870 people applied for 90 positions.

“We have been out of action since the September 4 earthquake and in that time some of our former staff have managed to get new jobs, often in other New World supermarkets and others have moved out of town. But the good thing is that we have 41 of our former staff back. In fact, nearly every one of our former staff who applied have received jobs,” the Palmers say.

“We’re so pleased to have a new supermarket so quickly. When we walk down the main street of Kaiapoi, customers will often come up to us and ask how things are “Given how many New World Kaiapoi staff progressing - it’s great to be able to tell them members were affected by the earthquakes, we are happy to be able to offer jobs to nearly how fast it’s all moving. It’s a real positive for Kaiapoi. We want to be an important part all of those who reapplied.” of helping the Kaiapoi community get back Of the opening of the new store he adds, on its feet,” they add.

“The re-opening on the 15 December 2011 At New World Kaiapoi the new checkout area was welcomed by the local community, boasts 14 lanes - five more than the original and provided a much needed boost to the store, which will promote better flow within town just prior to Christmas. Our owners are the supermarket. Six self-service checkouts thrilled to be serving the Kaiapoi community will also add to the customer convenience once again.” factor. The new supermarket offers a larger, more customer friendly butchery, wine and On December 15, Member of Parliament beer areas and a larger fish and seafood area. for the Waimakariri District, Kate Wilkinson officially opened the New World Kaiapoi store, New World Ilam and, understandably, a few tears of joy were Located on the former Feltex factory site shed by loyal employees and the owners. on Peer St beside Villa Maria College, New Approximately 2400 square metres in size, World Ilam has been specifically designed the new store is about 400 square metres and tailored for the local community. It larger than the original store and has a was officially opened with a ribbon cutting reconfigured car park with 194 parking ceremony at 9am on Thursday, November 17 spaces which will allow for less congestion and is open seven days a week from 7.30amand a better traffic flow. to 9pm.

Andrew and Jacqueline Palmer, who have owned and operated the New World Kaiapoi for the past nine years were more than

Of the challenges associated with the rebuilds and refurbishments, Davidson says, “Certainly there have been many challenges in the

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“It’s a real positive for Kaiapoi. We want to be an important part of helping the Kaiapoi community get back on its feet,” rebuilding efforts, such as the additional foundation work required, the ongoing aftershocks, and of course the corresponding effect this has had on our staff and the affected communities.

“But we have a great team of engineers and construction experts working with us to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. We are thrilled that the end result is buildings that will adhere to the highest safety standards, stand up to the ongoing aftershocks and, of course deliver the best

B&S

supermarket shopping experience possible to our customers.”

Davidson says there was some minor delays with the rebuild of the New World Ilam after the February 22 earthquake because tradespeople were required in other areas. In spite of minor delays following the ongoing aftershocks, building schedules were met on time and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker was there to help celebrate the official opening ceremony.

At the ceremony, Mayor Parker verbalised the sentiment shared by Foodstuffs, its staff and the local community. “This wonderful new complex will be an asset to the community that will do much to enhance the area.”

Five years in the making, Davidson said at the opening of the New World Ilam store, “We have had three major earthquakes, thousands of aftershocks and two snowfalls, but thanks to the wonderful efforts of all who have been involved in the project, we are able to open the doors today. And you can be assured that it is constructed to the highest post-earthquake specifications and safety standards.”

With a floor area of 3992 square metres, the supermarket has the latest innovations in layout, cabinetry and display. It also features a Wi-Fi café and 186 parking spaces and there is a strong emphasis on fresh goods and an expanded product range. The supermarket has also unveiled a new European-styled bakery complete with a French imported oven like the one at New World Northwood.

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www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 91

Goods & Services | Foodstuffs Armitage contructing Ilam New World

With a floor area of 3992 square metres, the supermarket has the latest innovations in layout, cabinetry and display. It also features a Wi-Fi café and 186 parking spaces and there is a strong emphasis on fresh goods and an expanded product range. The supermarket has also unveiled a new European-styled bakery complete with a French imported oven like the one at New World Northwood.

Customers are also able to order espresso coffee as they enter the store and can use their laptops in the Wi-Fi café while enjoying an espresso coffee made by the store barista or treat themselves to a specialty tea or smoothie and an extensive range of food.

If they are looking for some culinary inspiration, New World Ilam customers also have the opportunity to view seven in-store bakers preparing the latest European breads.

Armitage Williams The construction of a building, no matter what its size, requires the skills, ingenuity and foresight of a building contractor that lives and breathes the professional qualities of honesty, efficiency and aptitude.

As a market leader in building construction in Christchurch, Armitage Williams Construction prides itself on embodying these characteristics and with more than two decades of experience and expertise providing creative building solutions to a wide range of clientele, the name Armitage Williams is synonymous with professionalism, dedication, and quality without compromise

FMCL

in all aspects of commercial, industrial, office, retail, aged care and community projects.

A privately owned construction company that has been operating in Christchurch for more than 26 years, Armitage Williams is 100 percent New Zealand owned and it has had a long standing partnership with Foodstuffs South Island for more than 25 years.

The company was contracted by Foodstuffs South Island for the New World Ilam build and the outstanding result is testament to the capabilities and resilience of the firm.

Director Mark Blyth says the proof of the company’s success is not just in the buildings it has constructed, but also in the passion it has for providing total project management, designing and building turnkey solutions and in its long-term relationships with clients.

“We have established ourselves as one of the leading commercial construction companies in Canterbury. We have a large, motivated team of very skilled construction staff supported by a hands-on management team of working directors, construction management, project managers, quantity surveyors, accountants and administrators.”

After tendering for the New World Ilam build contract in July 2010 the company was selected as the preferred main contractor in August 2010 and it was established on site in September prior to the first earthquake.

Following the September 4 earthquake Foodstuffs made the decision to have the New World Ilam foundation design reengineered to increase the performance

Frank Millar & Co Ltd ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

When the building was heavily impacted by the earthquake Leighs and FMCL were pleased to accept the opportunity to rebuild bigger brighter and better than ever!

It has been an absolute pleasure working with the Foodstuffs Project team and Leighs Construction’s professionalism.

This has enabled a speedy and cooperative build meeting every ones objectives!

Contact us for all Commercial Projects upcoming in Canterbury. We will be happy to provide all levels of electrical installation and design assistance.

“...a hands-on management team of working directors, construction management, project managers, quantity surveyors, accountants and administrators.” of the building in the event of further seismic activity. This decision mean that the project was effectively on hold with only minor peripheral works being carried out until the re-design was completed.

“Upon receipt of the new foundation and raft slab design we were able to revaluate the programme and commence with major ground remediation works,” Blyth explains. “This work was new to us and our subcontractors; however, after joint consultation with the geotechnical engineers, we were able to complete this work as efficiently as possible.

“This work meant there was a large variation to the original contract and consequently it added considerable time to the construction programme although we were aware of Foodstuffs’ requirement to complete the project by the official opening date of 17 November 2011.

“It was therefore agreed to accelerate the programme in order to achieve this difficult deadline. We had to think outside the square both in re-writing the construction programme and also looking very hard at construction methods and sequences.”

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92 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Armitage Williams is proud to be the preferred construction company to build Ilam New World.

508 Wairakei Road | P O Box 39005 | Christchurch | www.awgroup.co.nz Ph: 03 359 5901 | Fax: 03 359 9416 | Email: info@awgroup.co.nz

Goods & Services | Foodstuffs

Even in the face of adversity that came in the form of thousands of aftershocks and two major snow falls, the Armitage Construct construction team and its subcontractors could not be deterred or disheartened. They worked extended hours and weekends for months on end despite the significant obstacles in their way.

This sheer determination paid dividends and the completion target for New World Ilam was met – a significant achievement. The supermarket opened as planned on the date agreed months before, and there was no doubt Armitage Williams had defied the odds stacked against them –thanks to the collective effort of all the staff members involved in the build. “This was a great result following thousands of aftershocks and two major snow falls,” Blyth confirms. “Armitage Williams is very proud of the reputation that it has established over many years in the Canterbury construction market.

“Our commitment to achieving all our clients’ requirements in terms of quality, programme and budget is second to none. We strive to provide the best possible services in every aspect of our business. We always work in partnership with our clients, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors; we strongly believe that this is the key to the successful completion of any contract.”

Health and safety is also at the heart of Armitage Williams Construction and the organisation committed to providing a consistently high standard of safety throughout each of its workplaces. Site teams, including all contractors, are required to carry out works in accordance with strict attention to our operating and safety standards. The company’s Health and Safety Policy Statement sets out the goals of the business and lists the strategic steps we will take to ensure that those goals are met. Armitage William’s health and safety committee which is made up of management and staff, provides regular critique to plan and ensure the systems remain relevant to current business activity.

As part of its construction processes, Armitage Williams also selects independent design consultants to suit the specific needs of a project. The benefits of marrying an external’s specialist design facilities with Armitage Williams’ innate construction and management skills, means a project can be completed faster and at a more cost effective rate.

buildings. Green Star NZ evaluates building projects against eight environmental impact categories, plus innovation.

The Resource Efficiency in Building and Related Industries (REBRI) programme is an initiative by local councils. Armitage Williams led the Canterbury pilot trial of REBRI to recycle waste during the construction of Selwyn District Council’s new headquarters and all these programmes are integrated into the way the company does business.

Having recently set up an earthquake recovery team and also a new division called AW Concrete Solutions, which specialises in all concrete repairs, the company is now poised for significant growth as it moves forward with the rebuild of Christchurch and undoubtedly its portfolio, profile and second to none reputation will continue to flourish.

Foodstuffs Private Bag 4705 Christchurch 8140 T (03) 353 8700 www.foodstuffs.co.nz Armitage Williams Private Bag 4705 Christchurch 8140 T (03) 359 5901 E markb@awgroup.co.nz www.armitagewilliams.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Above and Top: Armitage contructing Ilam New World

Foodstuffs New Ilam/ Kaipoi & the Refurbished Northlands New World

Armitage Williams is also actively involved in The Green Advantage, which encompasses Environmentally Friendly Construction Techniques, Resource Efficiency in Building and Related Industries (REBRI) and Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD).

Green Star NZ is New Zealand’s first comprehensive ESD rating system for

H3 Construction “suppliers and installers of pre-cast panels” are proud to have been involved with Foodstuffs and Armitage Williams Construction on the Ilam New World Supermarket.

Nathan Parsons

• New Homes • New Commercial • Tilt Slab Construction • Office Fit Outs • Renovations

Ph: 027 454 5353 or 0800 427 414| PO Box 767, Rangiora 7400 | nathan@h3c.co.nz www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 93

Goods & Services | NZ Office Supplies

The right tools

for today’s tasks

and operated and is now celebrating its entry Today’s modern office is not into the Christchurch market. what it used to be. Now, A results driven service businesses of all shapes and With more than 100 years collectively spent sizes, different niches and in supplying New Zealand businesses with personalities, have left behind office products, it’s fair to say New Zealand Office Supplies, represented across its their archaic tools and practises multiple branches in North and South Island destinations, is never short of knowledge while vying for the attention experience when it comes to business and patronage of a spoiled for and supplies and accessories. choice consumer culture, and in This knowledge and experience translates into pursuit of greater productivity. a keen sense of professional intuition, knowThe departure from the professional dark ages – think old school typewriters, cumbersome filing cabinets and very basic telephony systems - was a natural progression for new age businesses working hard to stand apart from their competitors in a rapidly growing commercial marketplace.

how and can do, which helps New Zealand Office Supplies ensure New Zealand business are equipped with the right professional supplies for their organisation.

A highly successful industry leader delivering an extensive and impressive range of more than 8,000 products, the business is committed to providing a focused and results driven service that is second to none.

The success of New Zealand Office Supplies’ professional evolution lies in its embodiment of key professional principals – ethicality, reliability, competency and efficiency. It is committed to striking the right balance between quality and price for all of its customers, irrespective of their size or turnover.

At the helm of New Zealand Office Supplies is owner Mike Manikas whose foresight and strategic vision has been the catalyst for significant growth within the brand. After

being under different ownership throughout its 20 years of existence, New Zealand Office Supplies was under the management of a private equity firm from 1994 until Manikas purchased the business in August 2010. He had taken on the role of general manager in 2008 so was able to step into the role of owner and leader with a lot of knowledge and experience at his disposal.

Manikas describes the business as a national player with a local heart – it knows how to effectively punch above its weight but doesn’t let any ego get in the way of serving customers from all sectors. All of New Zealand Office Supplies customers are treated equally and that will never change, just like its vision to be a national player.

You don’t have to be Einstein to know that in order to retain a competitive edge in today’s marketplace; businesses must run a tight ship. Fine tuned operations reign supreme and these are the types of organisations that always cross their T’s and dot their I’s, which means, first and foremost, they have the right gizmos and gadgets at their disposal.

In short, good business is about getting the basics right – not underestimating the importance of investing in quality products that are reliable, practical and complementary to a company’s operation. This is where New Zealand Office Supplies Limited comes in.

With branches in Auckland, Wellington and now Christchurch - when it recently acquired Canterbury Office Supplies, an iconic Christchurch based business community for more than 40 years – New Zealand Office Supplies is the obvious answer to the national business need for an extensive range of office supplies and accessories.

Growing in leaps and bounds, the company is proud to be 100 percent New Zealand owned New Zealand Office Supplies Christchurch Branch

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Ph: 03 343 1974 | F: 03 343 4545 E: stationery@supplies.co.nz 6 Knight Place, Christchurch

Goods & Services | NZ Office Supplies “Our vision and strategy has always been to compete on a national platform. We had sister companies in Auckland and Wellington up until 2009 when they were merged to start our national program and now with the joining of the Canterbury Office Supplies store, we have been able to make this happen,” Manikas reveals of the business’ journey.

the decision makers such as myself, or our national sales manager Dion Neill,” Manikas explains.

He goes on to add that while the business has grown substantially since its infancy, the very nature of the business itself has not, and for good reason too. “While we have the operational capacity to be a national player, we have retained that local, personalised feel to each branch. We are New Zealand owned and operated, which means we understand the challenges faced by New Zealand businesses,” Manikas explains.

By working as an extension of a company brand, New Zealand Office Supplies partners with its clients to provide access to the expertise of trained and motivated sales and customer care teams across New Zealand.

“Our size also means that when we say we are going to do something, we do it right away and can implement something immediately.”

Manikas says it is this flexibility and professionalism that sets New Zealand Office Supplies apart from the competition. “As an organisation, New Zealand Office Supplies understands the importance of having sound ethic. We take pride in our social and environmental responsibility when it comes to our clients’ business decisions.”

He adds that he has always been conscious of the cross section of New Zealand businesses and knows that the majority of enterprises fall into the small to medium business category.

The art of delegation After ongoing observation of the market, Running a business well is about delegating Manikas says he recognised that these responsibility and getting the right people businesses were often being neglected and their needs not being met because of their size. for the job. Sounds simple right? Wrong – it’s quite the opposite in fact – it’s the simple “Because we are a small to medium business things that take the most time and energy enterprise ourselves, we have less hierarchy to get right. Thanks to time, energy, patience than a corporate. We are a business that and getting the simple things right, the recognises there is a large market share in operational side of the New Zealand Office New Zealand that has not been well served up Supplies business couldn’t be more sound. until now, because the businesses that make up this share are small to medium enterprises The expression ‘small but mighty’ is certainly apt when it comes to the business and as and often they are not well looked after. it continues to grow, so too do the staff “Often smaller businesses are not given the on board. “At present we have the three same attention as the larger government or distribution facilities, which are our head national businesses and contracts between office in Auckland - and this represents larger corporates and smaller business have approximately 50 percent of our business, been secured by default, because there hasn’t then in Ngauranga Gorge in Wellington, and been a business like us to challenge them. now our Christchurch branch, which provides us with a significant opportunity to expand “We know that around 90 percent of New our market presence.”

Zealand businesses fit into this category, meaning this sector has significant business As a promoter of workplace egalitarianism, opportunity. We knew it was critical for us to Manikas also knows and appreciates the meet the needs of the companies in importance of reminding staff that they are this category.” valued and valuable to the business. He In light of New Zealand Office Supplies’ unwavering commitment to treating all of its clients with the same respect and delivering effective results for an organisation no matter what its size or niche, it’s not hard to see why the business has recently been awarded several national preferred supplier agreements.

The company tailors its service so it is not a black and white ‘one size fits all’ approach.

“Our small to medium size means that for our customers, they get to deal directly with

reminds staff through internal incentives and by involving staff in the decision making process – something he says has generated a lot of good ideas.

Very much anti-micro-management, Manikas knows the importance of hiring capable and committed staff who have their head in the game. His relationship with all the staff at New Zealand Office Supplies is predicated on honesty, trust and mutual respect.

“I don’t micromanage; I look to empower the staff so they can make change too. We

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Top: New Zealand Office Supplies Auckland Staff Above: The Auckland Warehouse

like to give the staff autonomy so they can do what they need to do – so they can find a better way of doing something and to recognise when something needs to be fixed or improved. When hiring, we look for people that have these attributes.”

Manikas is supported by his national sales and marketing manager, Dion Neill who leads the national sales and customer services

team. Neill’s version is in natural harmony with Manikas’ which is simply, “To have customer service that is not just the best, but legendary.”

Neill is passionate about the business and says, “Our people drive our customers’ experience of dealing with us. We only have the best people who are naturally service driven and believe the customer is king or

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Goods & Services | NZ Office Supplies queen. I am always looking for innovative ways to add value to our offerings and to drive our service-centric model forward based on best practice and by simply, thinking outside the square.”

Products and services From calculators, shredder accessories and labelling and laminating machines in its business machines division, to the beverage machines, coffee accessories and pest control products in its cafeteria supplies category, New Zealand Office Supplies has got its clients covered when it comes to kitting out their workplace.

The online supply list boggles the mind – diaries, envelopes and packaging, filing, furniture, generational stationery, hygiene and safety and an eco-range including markers, packaging and storage, for those businesses wanting to flex their green fingers.

New Zealand Office Supplies also provides a number of specialised services including but not limited to: Personalised Stamps – True to the business’ innovative nature and its commitment to providing a personalised service, it has included personalised stamps to its already comprehensive range of products and services. New Zealand office supplies can provide its clients with customised stamps to meet their individual specifications. A stamp can be personalised to meet a client’s layout, logo, and imagery and text requirements.

New Zealand Office Supplies Christchurch Branch

Presentation Solutions

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Manufacturers of Customised Stationary and Wide Format printing 19 Jamaica Drive, Grenada North Wellington Office: (04) 232 2204 Michael: 021 775 295

Fax: (04) 232 2205 Email: info@presentationsolutions.co.nz

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Black and White/Colour copying - New Zealand Office Supplies can complete all of its clients’ copying and printing needs on site at its premises. Organisations with busy work groups and high print demands can fulfil all their photocopying and printing services in colour and mono every day with the business’ affordable copying facilities.

Beverage Machines – No matter what your palette or preference, New Zealand Office Supplies can provide machines designed for instant, bean to cup, or liquid coffee and there is a machine to suit everyone’s individual specifications and budget.

Custom Printing - Using the most up to date digital printing technology, New Zealand Office Supplies can deliver a customised printing solution unique to a company’s individual specifications. From the creative design process through to printing, finishing, addressing, folding and distribution, the business has its clients covered with custom printing.

Store and Draw - Store and Draw is a solution designed for companies who want to take advantage of buying products in large quantities, at a lower price per item, but have limited onsite storage space.

Ever mindful of helping businesses to watch their bottom line, New Zealand Office Supplies encourages businesses to take advantage of bulk buying rates and will store the product for an organisation until they need it.

Looking to the future Needless to say the future is bright for New Zealand Office Supplies and more expansion is on the horizon in Aotearoa and international partnerships.

“We have formed a couple of partnerships with firms outside of New Zealand and have several distribution relationships, which all help drive volume and allows us to pass on savings to our customers through very competitive pricing,” Manikas says of the

business opportunities available to the company.

“We are forming alliances with these other business enterprises to ensure we have further reach and are able to enter and serve markets we would not necessarily be able to achieve on our own.”

Testament to its strong relationships with other organisations, New Zealand Office Supplies has proudly announced its partnership with the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) as their preferred supplier for more than 8,000 stationery, office and cafeteria products.

And if growing the business’ portfolio isn’t enough, New Zealand Office Supplies has also been adding value to its brand through structural and operational upgrades.

“We think smart with our strategy and vision to make sure our business capabilities stack up against other competitors,” Manikas comments. “In the past sixteen months we

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Goods & Services | NZ Office Supplies have had a major project on the go every single month – whether this is shifting our Auckland business to new premises, revamping our website, procuring a new branch, or upgrading our operating systems.

“In 2012 we will be looking to take on new business and achieve significant growth so we can tackle the bigger players. We will be looking to double in size in the next three to five years and will look at further acquisition opportunities so we can expand the business in other regions of New Zealand.”

On its road to being an even bigger and better player, New Zealand Office Supplies’ revamped website has received a major

nod of approval from the company’s clients and the feedback documented on the new website under the testimonials section speaks for itself.

With better navigation and structure underpinning the new website, clients can log on and experience the ease of online shopping with all of the products and services available to them at the click of a button.

As it continues to grow and work towards its future goals, change within the New Zealand Office Supplies organisation is inevitable – but one constant will be the business’ commitment to serving all its clients with incomparable efficiency.

Testimonials “New Zealand Office Supplies are very professional and helpful and provide high quality products at very competitive prices.

Their account management team and indeed managing director are all very helpful and approachable and provide a very reliable service. Every experience with them to date has been excellent.

team at New Zealand Office Supplies (NZOS) to review our needs and assess what NZOS could do to assist.

“Dion, our excellent account manager, will often communicate with us and recommend a good quality, cheaper option to something we may be using. They also offer very good specials on a regular basis. Their online ordering website is very user friendly with the option of having ‘favourite items’ which are ordered frequently. Dion keeps in touch personally on a very regular basis and I simply cannot recommend them highly enough.”

“They have been responsive to our needs on every level as an organisation. I can recommend NZOS as a smart decision as a supply partner in the stationary category.

They have the resources you need and are open and proactive by nature.”

Linda McNabb

“Any times I have emailed the company “New Zealand Office Supplies are a great with queries the response has been almost supplier to our company, offering excellent immediate. I have no hesitations in using service and quality of products at a very competitive price. They are very on to it with New Zealand Office Supplies and would highly keeping in touch and updating me on specials. recommend them to anybody needing a professional stationary supplier. And it’s all “I am most impressed by their new website. true.”

It is very user friendly and easy to read.

Toni Best Having the favourites to order from and the

Harcourts - Team Wellington Limited “Bay Audiology was not satisfied with all aspects of their relationship with their previous stationary provider. Over a period of time we worked with Dion, Mike and the

“Our decision to move to NZOS was based on a combination of service levels/ price and account management. Since we have become a client of NZOS we have been extremely happy with their attention to our detail.

Jim Oxley Bay Audiology

ease of navigating the website allows for me New Zealand Office Supplies to cut down on time when doing my larger orders. I have no hesitations in recommending Head Office & Auckland Branch New Zealand Office Supplies to anybody Unit H, 57 McLaughlins Road needing a professional stationery supplier.”

Wiri, Auckland Kerry Wickett T (09) 272 7900 YHI (NZ) Limited F (09) 274 8354 “New Zealand Office Supplies are a fantastic company and always a pleasure to deal with. The turnaround is always prompt with the deliveries always arriving the next day without fail. On the few occasions where selected items were out of stock someone was on the phone offering a different option at the same price and not once has my order been wrong.

Harcourts - Property Sales (Nelson) and Real Estate

E stationery@supplies.co.nz Wellington/Central Region 7 Ngauranga Road Wellington T (04) 473 5500 F (04) 473 5510 E stationery@supplies.co.nz Christchurch/South Island 6 Knight Place Christchurch 8041 T (03) 343 1974 F (03) 343 4545 E stationery@supplies.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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· Write-on Boards · Interactive · Wall Linings · Display Boards · Projection · Track Systems · Accessories www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 97

Goods & Services | A1 Communications

Quick and simple

communication solutions

Cantabrians have learnt a valuable lesson throughout the last 17 months – that nothing remains the same.

In business, this is even more apparent. With so many Christchurch businesses moving to new premises, working from homes or garages and even splitting staff up across several locations, the ability for a team and its clients to successfully keep in contact has never been more important.

Sherma Kala is an expert in keeping businesses accessible, flexible, and within reach. His company, A1 Comms (A1 Communications 2007 Ltd), provides advice, installation and the setup of customised telephone systems within their Canterbury base and throughout New Zealand.

Virtual PBX - the future of telecommunication

Utilising the latest in technology and business trends, A1 Comms is focusing on providing scalable and easily expandable options The VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) to cope with the growth of a business. solutions A1 Comms offers work across the internet, instead of using traditional telephone It provides Hosted PABX Phone (Private Automatic Branch Exchange) solutions, lines, and are designed to future-proof a company’s investment, utilising cost-effective, starting with just two phones, which are completely managed for the client. compatible telephones and equipment.

A1 Comms can deliver all of the services clients need directly over the internet with either fibre or VDSL high speed broadband options. This is an easy to set up, low cost alternative to a company purchasing and managing its own PABX system. It frees up capital expenditure and internal IT time for larger companies, and is a quick and easy option for non-technical small to large-sized businesses.

“These systems can usually significantly reduce costs over traditional copper lines.

We can show you the actual savings you will make by analysing your monthly communication invoice, and comparing it to our voice costs,” Kala says.

2. Using the conference calling facilities for client meetings or staff training.

3. Linking different company branches as if staff were in the same building.

4. Having voice messaging services automatically emailed to staff.

5. Making incredible savings off existing phone bills, which can often cover new equipment costs.

As a ‘one-phone’ solution, VOIP means having a separate phone and mobile is a thing of the past for A1 Comms’ clients. The system also provides conference calling facilities for client meetings or staff training, businesses can link to their different branches as if they were “We are providing and delivering a hosting in the same building, and voice messages solution – a number of our competitors have gone down this path before but have had little are automatically emailed to staff, which success in provisioning the system, whereas means they can check both email and voice we specialise in this technology. messages at the same time. Each quality contributes to a more productive, time saving “At A1 Comms we provide a complete end to and cost effective working environment. end solution for our clients from consulting, integration, network design and project “One of the best things about the systems management, through to installation, and full we offer is, when we first visit new clients, support services. We use these systems in our they don’t have to immediately decide what own business every day.” system they need – our hosted solutions allows clients to add phones as required,” Simplifying life Kala says.

New Zealanders have a certain way they like to communicate, and the A1 Comms solutions “If you have a business with ten people you have been developed to help achieve this in would normally need to buy a system costing many ways, for example: between $5000 and $50,000. You’d have to decide exactly what system you needed by 1. Simplifying life for a business and its staff with a one-phone solution, which saves forecasting how big your business was going having a separate phone and mobile. to grow. If you got it wrong, in several

98 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

Goods & Services | A1 Communications

years time you would have to start with a completely new system. Not only that, but our line rental is 30 to 40 percent cheaper than existing telecommunication providers, and phone call savings are up to 60 percent.”

Anywhere, any time Working from anywhere has just become much simpler with A1 Comms solutions. For example, a remote employee can log into the telephone system while working from home and can make and receive calls on the same telephone number and extension as they would have in the office.

“Most companies in Christchurch are only offering fixed installation, which at the moment is especially difficult for businesses who may need to work from a remote place if their office is damaged or closed,” Kala explains.

“For instance, if there was an earthquake, staff would not usually be able to take their phones home with them to work from there, whereas with our phones they can. The fact there is no physical phone system to maintain and with no licensing involved, it means that the system can be evolved.”

From multiple physical locations to virtual international offices, A1 Comms can provide an efficient and effective scalable Hosted phone system to suit all of its clients’ needs, which will ensure they in turn can provide a consistent and efficient service.

“We have built a strong reputation on the strength of our system reliability, technical ability and we offer valuable advice that our clients trust,” Kala says of the company’s commercial reputation. “We offer customised solutions which businesses have confidence in

because we have runs on the board,” he adds of their burgeoning client portfolio.

AOC Reception

A1 Comms - a solid choice The key advantage of dealing with A1 Comms is that it is an industry leader in modern technology, with more than twenty years experience in the industry. With a strong and positive reputation that precedes its efficient, time and money saving systems, the business will continue to play a significant role in the local and national market.

A1 Comms has implemented systems and support that have tackled head on the deficiencies of earlier providers whose systems were often susceptible to faults.

Kala says for the future the business will be concentrating its efforts on sustainable growth both nationally and internationally, and continuing to serve the market with outstanding results.

Cisco 303 IP Phone

“At present we have key affiliations spread throughout New Zealand and we are starting to grow our customer relationships offshore in Australia, London and Canada. For the future we will be focused on growing the reputation of VoIP here and offshore, with our main goal of being the best, most trusted provider in the New Zealand market.

For all your accounting needs. We listen, are friendly and work with you.

“Proud to be associated with and provide accounting solutions to A One Communications, providers of VIOP solutions for your business”

“Above all, we need to be flexible. And our telecommunication systems will help businesses do just that.”

A1 Communications 2007 Limited 480 Selwyn Street Christchurch T (03) 377 6520 Polycom SoundStation 7000

E sales@a1comms.co.nz www.a1comms.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 99

Goods & Services | Shirley Veterinary Clinic

Giving your pet perfect care The seismic events that unfolded in September 4, 2010 wrecked havoc on Canterbury’s human habitants; ask anyone. But it is the effects on our four legged friends, the ones that can’t talk about it, which concerns Judy and Dave Matheson.

It’s been a busy year for the Shirley Veterinary Clinic owners. Open seven days a week, the clinic specialises in canine reproduction, in particular greyhound medicine and surgery, but with four veterinary surgeons and five nurses, the clinic also provides all the standard veterinary services as well. Most importantly the clinic is Best Practice accredited and this is the highest form of veterinary practice recognition in New Zealand.

The clinic itself is purpose built, just six years old and contains in-house blood testing, x-rays, ultrasonic scans, dentistry room, designated surgery room and features under floor heating in the kennels and cattery.

Initially following the earthquake, the clinic was seeing animals with impact wounds.

“Initially we had two or three dogs and the same number of cats with injuries from objects falling on them,” Dave explains.

“We had several dogs and cats with skin lacerations and bruising. One dog had broken legs after being trapped under a house.”

While it paints a gruesome picture, the key concern now, is the numbers of displaced cats, numbers so high, Canterbury’s facilities could not handle them and many had to be housed in other regions.

“Significant numbers of cats bolted from their homes. The SPCA was inundated with several thousand displaced cats – most which had not been microchipped.

“There are still a large number of stray cats in the region, so now we are seeing a lot more cat fight wounds. Numbers usually drop off around the winter period when the cats aren’t breeding, but in this last winter the fighting continued.”

It highlights the importance of microchipping, But it’s the ongoing effects of the earthquakes Dave says. A month before Christmas a client which have seen the spike in their workload. took in a stray cat she had been housing for nine months for an examination. “We ran the microchip scanner over the cat and found it had been microchipped. Tt belonged to another of our clients who came straight away to collect their beloved cat.

“It was a very happy but tearful experience; not a dry eye remained in the room.”

Free treats

with all Eukanuba dog food and lams cat food purchased from ShirleyVet before 31 March 2012

While the council laws state that dogs have to be microchipped, it is not a requirement for cats. “The SPCA realised this was one of the most significant issues facing the city in terms of animals, so when it was given a grant towards re-homing displaced pets, they purchased thousands of microchips so vets could put them in, free of charge.”

Comparatively, while some dogs ran away, most were microchipped, making it easy to find their homes. However, there have been a number of dogs which have suffered earthquake related anxiety.

“During the year there have been somewhere between 30 and 40 dogs which have been quite distressed. We have had to put them on a drug like valium, which helps calm them down and get them through. They can

experience shivering, hiding behind things, some try to run away, go off their food or they can get very clingy and upset.”

Another significant issue for pets is liquefaction related illness. “We had two cats come in from a house where there had been significant liquefaction. The owners were forced to leave them there until they found a new house.

“The cats had gone off their food and were suffering diarrhoea. As they groom themselves, they ingest the liquefaction which is through their coats. They came right on antibiotics, but there are a lot of pets out there getting sick from liquefaction. Some of the silt contains sewerage as well, if they’re ingesting that, there’s a good chance they’ll get sick.”

Shirley Veterinary Clinic 15 Marshland Road Christchurch T (03) 385 6156 E shirleyvet@xtra.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Shirley Veterinary Clinic 15 Marshlands Road, Christchurch 8061 Telephone: 03 385 6156 Fax: 03 385 5462

The best Vet for your pet!

100 | Fenruary/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 101

Transport & Motoring | Jones Road Auto

Turning towards nitrogen

Jones Road Auto in Rolleston.

the better way to care for your tread

Jones Road Auto’s new NitroFill tyre service is saving customers money, while improving vehicle handling and safety on the road.

The Rolleston automotive shop began offering the new nitrogen tyre filling service late last year. NitroFill provides nitrogen inflation solutions for every need, from a single bike through to a large vehicle or industrial fleet.

Every NitroFill inflation solution is capable of producing nitrogen purity in excess of 99.9 percent, and is guaranteed to provide in-tyre purity in excess of 95 percent, the minimum purity required to provide the benefits of nitrogen inflation.

Benefits of nitrogen Manager Paul Corbett says NitroFill offers huge benefits to customers.

“It’s a new initiative for us and is reasonably new technology,” he says.

Benefits include better fuel economy, longer tyre life, improved handling and safety and a smaller carbon footprint.

BURNSIDE RADIATORS & AUTO AIRCONDITIONING

Nitrogen maintains tyre pressure a lot longer than oxygen, because oxygen molecules are a lot smaller. Therefore oxygen leaks out of tyres faster.

Nitrogen is inert, non-combustible and non-corrosive, while oxygen is immensely destructive to rubber and other tyre materials.

Nitrogen-filled tyres improve steering, handling and braking, and reduce the chance of tyre failure. They improve fuel economy, eliminate interior wheel corrosion and reduce running temperatures - creating significant cost savings to vehicle owners.

Corbett believes Jones Road Auto customers will soon begin to realise the huge benefits of filling their tyres with NitroFill.

“It’s suitable for all vehicles - even bicycle tyres,” he says. “Your car’s going to be a lot more efficient because you don’t lose air pressure and your tyres take longer to wear out. It’s suitable for all vehicles, even bicycle tyres.”

NitroFill is available at Jones Road Auto through a one-off payment of $39.95, which includes a 12-month, 24-hour free roadside service.

Manager Paul Corbett says one mechanic is employed just to do WOFs. “A lot of our customer really appreciate the WOF while you wait, with no appointment necessary. You can just rock up and have it done,” he says.

Warrants of fitness are a big part of Jones Road Auto’s service, which also includes full vehicle servicing, diagnostic equipment, batteries, tyres, puncture repairs, free brake testing and full mechanical repairs.

Vehicle Servicing: A full service from Jones Road Auto, including minimum one-hour labour from $120 includes:

• Drain and replace oil • Install new oil filter • Complete chassis lubrication • Comprehensive brake inspection • Check battery • Check and fill transmission

The company does virtually everything to do with vehicle servicing and repair, except for wheel alignments.

• Check differential

“We do all brands of tyres for all vehicles,” manager Paul Corbett says.

• Check power steering fluid

Formed in 2000, Jones Road Auto moved into its current site in Jones Road in 2009 in order to expand and grow.

Its purpose-built workshop includes three hoists, two tyre machines and one wheel balancer, as well as two lanes for WOFs.

• Check air filter • Check brake fluid • Check tyre pressures and blacken • Check belts and hoses • Check wiper blades • Check windscreen washer fluid.

Full range of services Jones Road Auto does WOFs while you wait, with no appointment necessary.

KEVIN HENRY

ELECTRICAL

REGISTERED ELECTRICAN | ROLLESTON

• Recores, repairs, replacements (new, used) • Clean Outs • Repairs to plastic radiators • Vintage radiator rebuilds • Air Conditioning repairs • Heater removals and refits • Petrol tank repairs and resining • Viscous fan refilling

ROLLESTON

AUTO DISMANTLERS

INSTALLATIONS REPAIRS MAINTENANCE

03 359 4240

PH 027 433 4221

(24 HOURS)

A/H 03 347 9399 FAX 03 347 9727

524 WAIRAKEI ROAD, CHRISTCHURCH

PO Box 16 410, Christchurch Kamhenry@xtra.co.nz

102 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

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The company’s modern Rolleston workshop in Jones Road features two dedicated warrant of fitness lanes - one for cars and one for trailers.

2nd hand parts

available for most makes & models Cash paid for any unwanted cars, trucks, vans tractors & machinery

0800 248 639

For all your Dismantling needs Fax: 03 347 7489 E: independentmetaltraders@xtra.co.nz 821 Jones Road, Yaldhurst, Chch

• Static Guard • Alarm Monitoring • Alarm systems • Patrol & Banking services Alarm Monitoring:

03 366-6666 Patrols/Static Guards/Banking Services:

03 366-2131

Transport & Motoring | Jones Road Auto Setting the service standard Jones Road Auto is a family-owned business that places a great emphasis on trust and reliability.

The Rolleston company was formed in 2000

by Kris and Keith Corbett, who are veterans of the automotive industry, with more than 75 years’ experience between them.

Paul Corbett says Jones Road Auto is well known in the Selwyn district and has a large and loyal customer base.

“We have a really good record in this industry.

People are often mistrusting of our industry, but I think our loyal customer base speaks highly for us. We’ve had the same people coming back to us for 12 years,” he says.

“One thing we really focus on is we’re a very honest and friendly business. We go out of our way to find the best prices for customers and we work very hard to keep everybody happy.”

Jones Road Auto employs seven staff, including two fulltime mechanics on automotive repairs, and one fulltime mechanic on warrants of fitness.

Immediately following the February earthquake, the business had its biggest month on record and has continued to grow since.

“We enjoy a constant flow of work but we do need more staff, although we’re not planning to grow the business for the next 12 months,” Corbett says.

Jones Road Auto 851 Jones Road, Rolleston 7614 T (03) 347 4020 F (03) 347 0768 E paul@jonesroadauto.co.nz www.jonesauto.co.nz

Above: Jones Road Auto’s purpose-built workshop includes three hoists, two tyre machines and one wheel balancer, as well as two lanes for WOFs.

— Advertising Feature

Automotive Care & Cleaning Automotive Parts | Tools & Workshop Marine & Outdoors | Home & Garden In-Car Entertainment Repco has the most widely recognised automotive brand in New Zealand. The Repco brand stands for quality, expertise and knowledge.

0800 800 878 Find your nearest store at www.repco.co.nz Pleased to be associated with Jones Road Auto

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK. www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 103

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Transport & Motoring | Smith Attachments

Designed for life on the land Kiwi ingenuity; it’s practically world famous. We have this clever little talent for taking things and making them better.

So when two wheeler motor cycles started coming into New Zealand for general farm use in the early 70s, a clever Kiwi called Ian Smith began producing carriers, handlebar protectors, tow bars and a range of small trailers for the vehicles.

By 1975 the moniker Smith Attachments had stuck and a factory in Ashburton was built to accommodate the company’s growth.

The year 1980 was strong for the company; it trebled the size of the workshop and purchased its first tubebender, which improved the speed and quality of production immensely.

Smith Attachments’ policy has always been one of continuous product improvement through innovation and design, and this remains one of their key goals today.

It was also the year Ray McCormick joined Smith Attachments and in 1982 he began a successful partnership with Ian Smith. This partnership combined the best of product development knowledge and business direction, and continued until 1999 when Ian retired from the company.

By the time three-wheeler motorbikes entered the market, Smith Attachments was poised to move into the manufacture of tow bars, carriers and racks for these and eventually the development of bullbars to protect the ATV, which was quickly becoming an integral part of farming machinery.

As time moved along New Zealand saw continuous development in the motorcycle market, and by the late 1980s four-wheelers

made their entrance into New Zealand, creating an even greater demand for protective equipment for the bike.

Today Ray and Pam McCormick still own and play active roles in the operation, with the day to day running of the modern and efficient company provided by Sharyn Amos and Luis Calles.

“These are two of the most hardworking and capable people around,” Ray McCormick explains. “Sharyn does the administration and marketing, while Lou runs the sheetmetal department and overseas the production workshop. They are complemented by a staff of seven.”

We have a machine that prints logos on flaps for various dealers around the country and we currently have 80-90 dealerships which use this service.”

Smith Attachments sells to some 270 dealerships nationwide and has extended its reach trans-Tasman, with a dealership in Tasmania and a distributor in mainland Australia.

Additionally, the company provides jobbing work in it’s sheetmetal department after purchasing a local sheetmetal company in 1996 and moving it from its original premises in South Street, to the Smith Attachments premises in McNally Street.

Smith Attachments commands a major share of the New Zealand and Australian ATV bullbar and mudflap market, as well as supplying ATV trailers and stock crates nationwide in New Zealand. All of this is a natural progression and a significant development from the company’s beginnings more than 35 years ago.

“The sheetmetal shop has gone from strength to strength and now employs two guys full time. We can manufacture a diverse range of product for farmers and other businesses. Lu is in charge of the department; he is capable of pretty much anything and loves the challenge of a new project.”

The company’s bullbar kits include a nudge bar (bullbar front), side rails (front and rear), and footrest mounts as standard. Other ATV accessories include; drop down front racks, mud flap brackets, and tow frames.

The Smith Attachments range of trailers is best known for their quality, durability, reliability, and longevity. “We regularly receive comments and repeat orders from customers looking to replace a ‘Smiths’ trailer after 20 years of service, and sometimes even longer.”

Smith Attachments also makes accessories for two wheeled farm bikes which include; front carriers, rear carriers, handlebar protectors (brush guards), and sump guards for various makes and models.

“Bullbars remain one of our core products, as are mud flap kits and we supply kits that fit pretty much any four wheeler on the market.

The people of Atlas Steels are driven by wanting to be our customers’ first choice in specialt y metals.

All Smith’s trailers are fully hot dip galvanised for complete rust prevention, have four stud rims with taper roller bearings as standard, and have been designed to minimise any rattles.

“Being successful, especially with our bullbars, meant we encountered competition.

We could have stopped these competitors with legal action, but instead used it as an incentive to excel and become the market leader.

“We had to make our product the best we could, the finish on the product had to be the highest quality, and our distribution around New Zealand had to be the fastest.

-Stainless Steel Sheet, Coil, Plate, Tube, Pipe, Fitting’s -Carbon Steel Tube, Pipe, Fitting’s -Aluminium Sheet, Plate & Treadplate -Stainless Steel Bar, Flats & Angles -Engineering Steel Bars -Carbon Sheet Galvanised, Electrogalvanised 17 Hammersmith Drive, Christchurch (between Haytons Rd and Wigram Rd) SOCKBURN 8042

Ph: (03) 977 9000 | Fax: (03) 977 9001 Email: nzsales@atlassteels.co.nz

“What’s serves us well is listening to farmers and understanding what they want. We see lots of farmers through the workshop and they’re always looking for innovation in new products.

5 Chinook Place PO Box Hornby 16439 Hornby Christchurch 8441 Tel: 03 349 0290 Fax; 03 349 0123 Free Phone: 0800 4468 347 E-mail john.sylvester@perry.co.nz

“We hear what they want and strive for a product that suits their operational needs.”

Smith Attachments 21 McNally St Ashburton Mid Canterbury T (03) 308 9040 www.smithattachments.co.nz — Advertising Feature

If there is something specific you want and you don’t see it in our product range, give us a call, we will be only too happy to help you out.

COME IN AND SEE US NOW!

· ATV Trailers · ATV Bullbars & Accessories · Sheetmetal Fabrication · Carriers & Handlebar Protectors for 2 Wheel Farm Bikes · Ute Crates & Doors · Tube Bending AND MORE!

21 McNally St / P.O. Box 292 Ashburton, Mid Canterbury . Ph: 03 308 9040 . www.smithattachments.co.nz www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 105

News | Motoring

An open top for the open road

Jaguar has lifted the lid on the quickest opentopped GT it’s ever built – the XKR-S Convertible.

And if what lies under the hood is as muscular as the XKRs dimpled, curved and purposely crumpled haunches, then it shouldn’t disappoint.

Well, first impressions are promising. Powered by a supercharged, five litre V8, the XKR-S hits 100km/h in 4.4 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 300km/h, which isn’t too shabby for a convertible.

This open top rocket will sit alongside its sibling, the XKR-S Coupe, at the top of the big cat’s performance sport range.

Styling changes have been made to improve aerodynamic stability. There’s a new front bumper design with wider, lower air intake, a carbon fibre splitter and twin side nacelles.

New sills smooth the horizontal airflow and emphasise the 10mm reduction in ride height. And a unique rear wing with carbon fibre insert and apron ensure balanced aerodynamics front and rear.

Aerodynamic design changes give the front of the car a dramatic and bold appearance.

Vertical feature lines run down from the edges of the oval air intake into a new bumper design which incorporates a wider, lower air intake, a carbon fibre splitter and twin side nacelles.

At the edges of the bumper, vertical panels channel air down the side of the car along With the XK model designed as a convertible The muscle comes via an uprated version of new sills, which serve to both smooth from the outset, Jaguar’s engineers were the 5.0-litre supercharged AJ-V8 engine, which the horizontal airflow and emphasise the able to apply changes that created the XKR-S produces 405kWs and 680Nm of torque, reduction in ride height.

Coupe into the open-topped GT without delivered to the rear wheels via a six-speed compromising performance, agility The convertible roof opens and stows in 18 automatic gearbox with active differential. or refinement. seconds and the flagship interior features To put this power on the ground, there’s 16-way adjustable performance seats Lightweight aluminium architecture provides a comprehensive package of suspension trimmed in carbon leather. It rides on Pirelli high torsional rigidity, making the XKR-S upgrades, such as a redesigned aluminium P-Zero tyres (255/35 ZR20 at the front and Convertible the stiffest car in its class. And front steering knuckle and revised rear 295/30 ZR20 at the rear). revised front and rear suspension means geometry, stiffer springs and dampers. increased agility, precision and control without The XKR-S Convertible will be arriving in New sacrificing comfort.

Zealand showrooms around Easter 2012.

Ford Focus is NZ Car of the Year The country’s leading motoring writers and commentators have chosen Ford’s new generation Focus as New Zealand Car of the Year.

Launched here mid last year, the new model is the third generation of the Focus, and the first to scoop New Zealand’s highest new car automotive honour.

In reaching their decision, members of the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild assessed a number of variants in the range, including 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol variants, as well as the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel version.

“The level of chassis sophistication engineered into the new Focus is remarkable. A particular appeal of the latest Focus is its excellence in a range of motoring environments; whether it is urban or highway motoring, or covering ground over the country’s secondary roads, the latest Focus is always impressive.”

The Focus was one of 12 finalists for this New Zealand Car of the Year award, which is open to new passenger car models launched in New Zealand during the 12 months prior to November 1, 2011.

In addition to performance and handling, the facets under consideration included suitability for the task for which the Focus is designed, safety accoutrements, economy, visual appeal, The others, in alphabetical order, were the value for money, ease of operation and its Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Audi A7, BMW X3, level of home comforts and quality of finish.

Hyundai Elantra, Kia Optima, Kia Rio, Peugeot Guild president David Linklater says, “Previous 508, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris, Volvo S60 and Volkswagen Passat. iterations of the Focus have also been highly regarded, particularly in the area of driver Recent past winners of the title, which is now appeal, but in its latest guise the Focus pushes in its 24th year, have been the BMW 5-series its segment forward in crucial areas such as (2010), Ford Fiesta (2009), Ford Falcon (2008), powertrain efficiency, packaging, quality and equipment, all without compromising that fun Mazda 2 (2007) and Porsche Cayman (2006). factor for which it has become known.

106 | February/March 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz

www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 107

Eyes in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are typically the domain of military forces. They’re most commonly seen in recent times in the media in areas such as Afghanistan and Iraq.

But now UAVs are finding increasing practical uses within the commercial sector and a New Zealand company, Hawkeye UAV, is leading the charge with its commercial system called AreoHawk.

AreoHawk is design made in collaboration with the NZDF Defence Technology Agency (autopilots), the Hamilton Aviation Cluster and AreoGraph, an image processing company in Dunedin.

Two years of hard graft and development have now produced a viable system – one that when tied to the AreoGraph technology, produce world class aerial imaging products.

The advantages of using a UAV commercially are many. Operations are limited by aviation law to 400 feet and below, which is nearly always below cloud cover. As cloud is not a factor, this means the opportunities for acquisition of aerial imagery are greatly enhanced.

sky

timely and accessible use, coupled with accurate GPS surveying.

Directors Rowland Harrison and David Pemberton attribute recent export success to the focus on quality and doing one thing extremely well. Having experience in the market helped identify exactly what was required in a commercial system, allowing for an innovation grant being provided by the Ministry of Science and Innovation through the Manawatu Bio Commerce Centre.

This has enabled Hawkeye to produce a second generation technology well ahead of its global competition in terms of performance and commercial viability.

An indication of this is a fleet purchase by Canadian company Accuas Ltd, who has been operating commercial UAVs for four years, selecting Hawkeye’s AreoHawk for its next season of operations.

The UAV is powered by an electric motor with lithium polymer batteries. This provides a quiet, noise free system with low operating costs.

Customers are now realising that acquiring imagery of smaller areas is becoming much more economic and can be done on a more regular basis.

Units have been acquired by survey companies in New Zealand due to Hawkeye UAV’s ability to ensure

Phone (06) 358 1049

Aerial survey of Manawatu Gorge slip